THE ROLE OF YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN ECONOMIC CHANGE IN INDIA: A DEMOCRATIC PERSPECTIVE

Author Name: 1. Sreyas Kannan K 2. Dr. V. Kokila

Volume/Issue: 06/09

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2026-53886433/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D. Scholar , Department of Economics, University of Madras, Chennai, India.
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, University of Madras, Chennai, India.

ABSTRACT

India’s economic reforms have been analyzed through various dimensions of policy design, institutional capacity and macroeconomic outcomes. However, the role of youth constituting the world’s largest demographic dividend remains underexplored in shaping and sustaining democratic economic reforms. This paper examines how young citizens contribute to various reforms in a democratic framework. With the help of secondary data this study explores youth participation in start-up ecosystems, social movements, and their influence in policy making. In the present scenario there is a lack of youth representation in formal institutions, political disinterest among many young people and the gap between urban and rural areas. This paper argues that the youth is essential not just for fair and sustainable reforms, but also for strengthening democracy. Looking at economic reforms through the lens of youth brings fresh perspectives on India’s development path in the 21st century.

Key words: Policy Design, Macroeconomic Outcomes, Economic Reforms, Demographic Dividend, Democratic, Start-Up Ecosystems, Policy Making