Decent work and economic growth

Over the last 25 years, the number of workers living in extreme poverty has declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis and global recession[1].

In developing countries, the middle class now makes up more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled between 1991 and 2015[2]. This is good progress, but to sustain these growth indicators and also to keep up with growing labour force, the country needs to invest more into the green jobs.

India, being in line with these positive shifts, needs to look carefully towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-8 (sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity and technological innovation) and SDG-4 (promotion of inclusive and equitable quality education) and accelerate actions towards engaging the youth into sustainable job opportunities. In countries like India, the current state of affairs calls for a blended thrust on the SDG 4 & 8 by encouraging education and entrepreneurship and job creation, as effective means to eradicate poverty and climatic instabilities. More so, these are critical to achieve gender equality in work force participation across India.

Bihar Skill Development Mission

The Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM) has been constituted by the government of Bihar to empower the youth and provide them requisite skills to fuel the growth of the State of Bihar. The primary goals of BSDM is to establish a wide network of training centres for the youth on green jobs and provide employment to the youth.

Looking Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic brings to focus the need to invest in skills of young and stability in work. India faced significant challenges during lockdowns during COVID-19 pandemic, where millions of laborers migrated to their villages due to work instability and lack of opportunities. The pandemic that hit the world in 2019, resulted in job losses for 27 million youth in India[3].

Generating employment, robust infrastructure, empowerment of the informal workers and bridging the gender gap in earnings are areas that require immediate attention to achieve SDG 8 in India. The International Labour Organisation estimates that by 2030, three million new jobs could be created in the renewables sector in India by a shift to a green economy[4]. It is this prospect of a sustainable future topped with increased employment opportunities that should help to build wide-ranging support for earth-friendly policies. This is the time for increased investment in the education and training of environment friendly opportunities for the youth. We at Turn the Bus understand the urgency of the situation and potential of green jobs in achieving SDG-8. While working towards meeting the SDG-4 (equality in education), TtB is actively strategizing its response to SDG-8. With the expert resource pool within TtB and its allies in the state of Bihar, the thrust on green jobs and employment of youth, will be realised.
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[1]  https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-8-decent-work-and-economic-growth.html
[2] https://www.in.undp.org/content/india/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/goal-8-decent-work-and-economic-growth.html
[3] https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/voices/2020/jun/14/a-green-future-of-work-2155354.html#:~:text=The%20International%20Labour%20Organisation%20estimates,shift%20to%20a%20green%20economy.
[4] https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/voices/2020/jun/14/a-green-future-of-work-2155354.html#:~:text=The%20International%20Labour%20Organisation%20estimates,shift%20to%20a%20green%20economy.