The Conference of Chief Secretaries recently focused on the theme “Human Capital for Viksit Bharat”.
- Human capital is the stock of knowledge, skills and other personal characteristics embodied in people that help them to be productive. (OECD)
Significance of Human capital for becoming a Developed Nation
- Harness Demographic Dividend: ~60% of population is currently in the working-age group (15 - 59 years), projected to peak at 68.9% by 2030.
- Correlation with Economic Growth: As per Human capital theory, education, skills, and health improve workforce efficiency.
- Innovation Economy: Enable research, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption and support India’s rise in start-ups, digital public infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI) and emerging technologies like AI and green energy.
Key Challenges in Human Capital Development
- Poor foundational literacy and numeracy: E.g., 46% proficiency in mathematics at Class V as per PARAKH 2024.
- High Dropout: E.g., 10.9% dropout rates at secondary level.
- Low Expected Years of Schooling (EYS): 13.3 in India as against 18-year benchmark of developed nations.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Foundational Learning: Expansion of NIPUN Bharat, Balvatikas and early childhood education for strong learning foundations.
- Skill Integration and Employability: Align education with National Education Policy (NEP 2020), promote vocational education through NSQF, Atal Tinkering Labs.
- Health and Nutritional Support: Strengthen convergence with PM POSHAN.
