One-Third Of Indian Youth Not In Education, Employment Or Training: NSSO Survey

A recent survey by NSSO sheds light on the country's progress towards sustainable development goals, clean fuel and sanitation habits, and housing trends.

NSSO carried out the survey covering the entire country in its 78th round. [Image used for representational purpose only]

Source : Getty

Nearly one-third of India's youth, ages between 15-24, are not in education, employment, or training, according to a recent survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS), carried out during the NSSO's 78th round, covered the entire country.

The NSSO survey was initially planned to be conducted during the period January-December, 2020, but the fieldwork was extended till August 15, 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The survey revealed that 29.3% of people in the 15-24 age group were not involved in any form of education or work. However, the NSSO survey found that 34.9% of people aged 15-29 were in formal or non-formal education or training in the 12 months prior to the survey.

The MIS also covered other aspects of life in India. It showed that 63.1% of households used clean fuel as their primary source of energy for cooking, but there was a significant difference between rural and urban areas. Only 49.8% of households in rural areas used clean fuel, compared to 92% in urban areas.

The primary source of energy by NSSO was defined as the source used most of the time, with clean fuel including LPG, natural gas, gobar gas, other biogas, electricity including solar or wind power, and solar cookers.

In terms of technology usage, the survey found that 72.7% of people aged 18 overused mobile phones in the three months prior to the survey.

The MIS also collected data on housing and sanitation. Nearly 10% of households reported purchasing or constructing a new house or flat after March 31, 2014, with almost half of those making their first purchase or construction after that date. The survey also found that 95.7% of people reported improved sources of drinking water, and 98% reported access to improved toilets.

The primary aim of the survey was to collect data for developing estimates of important Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, as well as information on house purchases or construction for residential purposes and migration.