India: State of Rural Youth Employment 2024

This report was developed collaboratively between the Global Development Incubator (GDI), Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN), Transform Rural India Foundation (TRI), and Development Intelligence Unit (DIU)

Youth employment is a significant global challenge. Out of 1.8 billion young people worldwide, one-third are either out of school, unemployed, or working in informal jobs. The majority live in developing economies, and women make up three-quarters of this group. They are navigating the complexities of changing work environments, including automation, digitization, and broader issues such as population shifts, health crises, climate change, conflict, and urbanization.

India is currently home to 378 million young people. However, two-thirds of this population live in rural areas and are typically disconnected from the country’s economic growth. Rural India faces significant challenges, making up 70% of the population but contributing only about 46% to the GDP. With around 80% of rural employment in agriculture and women being disproportionately affected by unemployment, the need for targeted interventions is critical.

This report delves into the potential of India’s rural youth to drive economic progress. It captures their voices, detailing their aspirations, challenges, and the support they need, segmented by gender, age, and employment status. The objective is to provide actionable insights for stakeholders to enhance rural youth employment and unlock their full potential. In the journey to Viksit Bharat—India’s strategic vision of becoming a fully developed nation by 2047—addressing rural youth unemployment is crucial.