What Young India Wants

Last month, the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) released the results of their survey on the ‘attitudes, anxieties and aspirations’ of young Indians in the 15-34 age group. By 2020, say some estimates, India will be the youngest country in the world with a median age of 29. Jobs, then, are a primary concern. Other attitudes were an intriguing mix of the socially liberal and conservative. Incidentally, some 64 per cent professed little or no interest in politics.

65%

Young Indians want a government job; 19% want to set up their own business; 7% want a job in the private sector

48%

Support reservations for SC/ST in government jobs, 26% are ‘completely opposed’; 46% support the policy in educational institutions, 28% are ‘completely opposed’; 45% support OBC reservations for both

46%

‘No interest’ in politics; 18% ‘little interest’; 25% ‘some interest’; 7% ‘very interested’; 53% in metros have ‘no interest’

52%

Identify with a political party: 20% BJP; 10% Congress

53%

Believe people are intolerant when it comes to listening to others’ views

60%

Support banning movies that hurt religious sentiments

46%

Are against beef consumption; 69% Muslim believe it is a personal choice, compared with 31% Hindus and 33% Sikhs

61%

Think same-sex marriages are wrong; 45% are against inter-religious and 36% against inter-caste marriages