The Economic Survey 2011-12 has stated that the country will emerge as one of the youngest nations in the world by 2020.
The survey has pointed out that the changing demographic condition could pose some challenges while at the same time provide great opportunities to the country.
“The proportion of working age population (15-59 years) in India is likely to rise from around 58 percent in 2001 to over 64 percent by 2021,” the survey said.
The survey said that the average Indian will be only 29 years old in 2020. The comparative figures for China and the US are 37 years, while it is 45 years for West Europe and 48 for Japan.
“These demographic changes are likely to contribute to a substantially increased labour force in the country. This demographic change will only benefit India, if our population is healthy, educated, and appropriately skilled,” the survey added.
It estimated that there will be around 63.5 million new entrants to the working age group between 2011 and 2016. Further, the bulk of this increase is likely to take place in the relatively younger age group of 20-35 years.
According to the Human Development Report (HDR) published by the UNDP, India is still in the medium human development category with countries like China, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Philippines,
Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, and even Vietnam with better ranks.