Jharkhand is one of the youngest states in India in terms of population, yet youth voices remain largely absent from policy-making processes. While government policies directly affect education, employment, skill development, and social mobility, young people are often treated as beneficiaries rather than active stakeholders. This gap has resulted in policies that fail to address ground realities and the aspirations of Jharkhand’s youth.
For Jharkhand to achieve inclusive development, youth participation in policy making is no longer optional—it is essential.
Youth Demographics and the Jharkhand Reality
More than half of Jharkhand’s population is below the age of 35. This demographic reality means that policies related to employment, education, migration, entrepreneurship, and digital access directly impact young people. However, policy decisions are often made without structured consultation with youth, leading to mismatches between policy intent and actual outcomes.
High youth unemployment, increasing migration, and skill mismatches are not just economic issues—they are policy failures that stem from limited youth representation in decision-making spaces.
Why Youth Participation in Policy Making Matters
1. Youth Understand Ground Realities
Young people experience the education system, job market, and social challenges firsthand. Their participation ensures that policies are practical, relevant, and implementable.
2. Policies Become Future-Oriented
Youth involvement brings long-term thinking into governance. Young policymakers naturally focus on sustainability, innovation, and future readiness—areas critical for Jharkhand’s growth.
3. Democratic Participation Is Strengthened
Democracy is strongest when citizens participate beyond elections. Involving youth in policy discussions builds democratic ownership, accountability, and trust in institutions.
4. Reducing Policy Disconnect
Many schemes fail due to lack of awareness or acceptance among youth. When young people are part of policy formulation, implementation becomes smoother and more effective.
The Cost of Excluding Youth from Policy Making
When youth are excluded, policies often result in:
Low adoption and engagement
Increased frustration and political disengagement
Migration due to lack of local opportunities
Rise in informal employment and social instability
Jharkhand cannot afford these outcomes if it wants to harness its demographic advantage.
How Youth Can Be Included in Policy Making in Jharkhand
1. Youth Policy Consultation Forums
Institutional platforms at district and state levels where youth can provide structured input on policies.
2. Youth Representation in Advisory Committees
Including young professionals, students, and grassroots leaders in government advisory bodies.
3. Participatory Policy Drafting
Draft policies should be opened for public and youth feedback before final implementation.
4. Civic and Political Education
Encouraging political awareness and policy literacy among youth ensures meaningful participation, not symbolic inclusion.
Youth as Partners, Not Just Beneficiaries
For Jharkhand’s development to be inclusive and sustainable, youth must be treated as partners in governance, not just recipients of schemes. Their energy, ideas, and lived experiences are valuable resources that can improve policy outcomes across sectors.
Meaningful youth participation also prepares the next generation of leaders who understand governance from within, strengthening institutions over time.
Conclusion:-
Youth participation in policy making is not a demand—it is a democratic necessity. Jharkhand’s future depends on how effectively it integrates young voices into its governance framework. Policies shaped with youth input are more responsive, resilient, and impactful.
A Jharkhand that listens to its youth is a Jharkhand that invests in its future.
