DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND IN NORTHEAST

North East India, with its distinct demographics and youthful population, presents both challenges and opportunities for economic transformation.

Realising the region’s demographic dividend is crucial for sustainable growth.

Key Aspects of the Demographic Profile

  • Working-age Population Growth
    • Significant rise in the 15-34 age group over the next 25 years.
    • Assam alone expected to account for over 43 million individuals in this category.
  • Fertility Rates and Demographic Transition
    • Declining fertility rates across most states.
    • Sikkim: 1.05, Mizoram: 1.87 (below replacement level).
    • Meghalaya and Manipur: Higher but steadily declining fertility rates.
    • Challenges: Ageing populations in low-fertility states like Sikkim.
  • Dependency Ratios
    • Higher ratios in states like Meghalaya and Nagaland require focused job creation.
    • States like Sikkim and Tripura benefit from lower ratios, favouring high-value industries.

Economic Transformation Opportunities

  • Labour-Intensive Sectors
    • Potential industries:
      • Textiles, bamboo processing, food packaging.
      • Modernised agriculture and agro-based industries for semi-skilled employment.
    • Sectoral Alignment
      • Tourism, renewable energy, and organic farming tailored to local strengths.
      • Eco-tourism and small-scale manufacturing to curb out-migration.
    • Industrial Hubs and SEZs
      • Special focus on food processing, bamboo products, and textiles.
      • Development of green energy, IT services, and tourism.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Migration Trends
    • Out-migration due to limited opportunities.
    • Strategies:
      • Create competitive local jobs.
      • Develop urban infrastructure and cross-border trade opportunities.
  • Skill Development
    • Focused vocational training tailored to labour-intensive and emerging industries.
    • Public-private partnerships to align workforce skills with industry demand.
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
    • Credit access and start-up incentives for local innovation.
    • Special emphasis on women entrepreneurs for inclusive growth.

Role of Infrastructure

  • Investments in education, healthcare, and connectivity to support the workforce.
  • Infrastructure projects in renewable energy and transport to generate large-scale employment.

The North East’s demographic dividend is a one-time opportunity to drive economic transformation. Proactive investments in skill development, job creation, and entrepreneurship can ensure sustainable growth.

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