India@79: Age, wage and rage | Number Theory

India enters its 80th year of independence facing challenges rooted in its vast population and employment landscape. The nation, now the world's most populous with an estimated 1.48 billion people by 2026, also has a significant youth demographic. However, its median age is steadily increasing, projected to reach 30 by 2029 and 40 by 2056.

This demographic shift is particularly evident in the workforce. The median age of Indian workers is nearing 40, and younger Indians are increasingly leaving agriculture for education and aspirations of better-paying jobs. The median age gap between agricultural and non-agricultural workers has widened significantly since the mid-1990s.

Despite these aspirations, a substantial number of salaried jobs, especially outside the government sector, fail to provide basic worker safeguards. Official labor statistics indicate that nearly half of these jobs lack written contracts, paid leave, or social security. The article suggests that unless India addresses the issue of "decent wages," the "rage of the young Indian" will continue to grow.