Youth in Telangana delay workforce entry, but inequality still shapes their future
Hyderabad: In a close look at the aspirations and struggles of Telangana's youth, the preliminary findings of the seventh round of the Young Lives longitudinal survey, released on Friday, present a mixed picture.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
While more young people are delaying entry into the workforce in favour of extended education, many still face entrenched structural inequalities, job dissatisfaction, and mental health challenges.
The survey 'Longitudinal Study of Poverty and Inequality,' conducted by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), offers critical insight into the transition from education to employment in 2023–24.
A growing number of youngsters are entering the labour market at a later age than previous generations, with a majority of 29-year-olds now participating in the workforce, the survey said.
However, the nature of this employment remains a concern—long hours, lack of quality jobs, and low job satisfaction dominate their experience. The survey also records a significant shift from agricultural to non-agricultural work in both rural and urban areas, a trend seen among both men and women.
Women ahead, gaps persist
On the other hand, Telangana outperforms the national average in female labour force participation among youth aged 15–29, with 44.7% in 2021–22 compared to 32.8% nationally.
However, gender gaps in employment persist, and early-life disadvantages—such as child marriage, early motherhood, caste/tribe identity, and family income levels—remain strong predictors of outcomes in education and employment.
These factors impact not only access to quality jobs but also reading comprehension, university enrolment, and general well-being.
Malnutrition, mental health
The survey report also highlights the dual burden of malnutrition among youth.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
While many struggle with being underweight, others face overweight or obesity, often linked to lifestyle changes and diet.
This burden is compounded by high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Being underweight was notably more prevalent among those from disadvantaged castes or rural areas, and children of mothers with lower education levels.
The findings underline the urgent need for public policy that tackles the deep-rooted inequalities beginning in childhood and extending into adult life.
Recommendations include greater food diversity, regulation of unhealthy food consumption, improved access to nutritious diets, and public health campaigns encouraging active lifestyles.
Education expansion
On the brighter side, efforts to universalise school education have shown tangible progress in Telangana. The state has seen a notable rise in higher secondary school completion and university enrolment, particularly among women and youth from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
These gains, observed over the past seven years, mark a significant step towards bridging educational inequalities and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged communities, the report says.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Ministry of Health's guide to spotting a sickle cell crisis early
Sickle Cell Anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder where the red blood cells, instead of being round and flexible, become crescent or 'sickle' shaped. These abnormal cells block blood flow and reduce oxygen delivery to various parts of the body, causing sudden and painful episodes known as Sickle Cell Crises. As per the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, early identification of sickle cell crisis symptoms can save lives. This genetic disorder is more common in certain tribal and rural communities of India, and recognizing the warning signs is crucial for timely medical TRIGGERS A SICKLE CELL CRISIS?Sickle cell crises can be triggered by:InfectionsDehydrationSudden changes in temperatureHigh altitudesStressPhysical exertionThese crises often result in complications that need urgent medical TO IDENTIFY A SICKLE CELL CRISISThe Ministry outlines the following major symptoms:HAND-FOOT SYNDROMEOne of the earliest signs in infants and children is swelling and pain in the hands and feet. This happens due to sickled cells blocking blood flow in small vessels of the CHEST SYNDROMEThis life-threatening condition mimics pneumonia and includes symptoms such as:Sudden chest painCoughFeverShortness of breathIt can occur due to infection or blocked blood vessels in the lungs and demands immediate VISION OR VISUAL DISTURBANCESThe abnormal shape of sickle cells can affect tiny blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems or even permanent loss of sight if severe cases, the crisis may restrict blood flow to the brain, resulting in a stroke. Symptoms include:Sudden weakness or numbnessDifficulty in speakingSeizuresLoss of consciousnessThis is considered a medical emergency in children and IS MOST AT RISK?Sickle cell anaemia is inherited, meaning both parents must pass on the defective gene. Communities in states like:ChhattisgarhOdishaMaharashtraMadhya PradeshGujaratJharkhandHave higher reported cases, particularly among Scheduled Tribes (STs).HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?The disease can be diagnosed through a simple blood test:Newborn ScreeningHaemoglobin ElectrophoresisGenetic testing (for carrier identification)Early diagnosis helps in better management and prevents long-term & PREVENTIVE TIPSWhile there is no universal cure yet (except for bone marrow transplant in specific cases), these steps help reduce crisis frequency:Stay well-hydratedAvoid extreme temperaturesTake prescribed medications like hydroxyureaPrevent infections through vaccinationRegular health check-upsGOVERNMENT INTERVENTION & SUPPORTUnder the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, the Government of India is taking proactive steps:Free screening camps in tribal regionsAwareness programs in schools and communitiesGenetic counseling before marriageDistribution of folic acid and medicines at primary health centersSickle Cell Anaemia may be a lifelong condition, but awareness, early diagnosis, and proper care can significantly improve quality of life. The Ministry's efforts aim not just at treatment, but at elimination of the disease through early screening and public education.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- The Hindu
Undernourished and overweight: Telangana youth face dual health burden of malnutrition
Youth in Telangana face a growing double burden of malnutrition, where underweight and overweight conditions coexist, alongside a rising risk of cardiovascular diseases. The finding was part of the seventh round of the Young Lives longitudinal study released on Friday (May 30, 2025). It also pointed at poor dietary diversity, gender disparities in health risks, and persistent rural-urban inequalities. The study, which has tracked two cohorts of children since 2002 when they were aged 1 (younger cohort) and 8 years (older cohort) respectively, also found poor dietary diversity among youth. It provides an overview of key nutrition, health and well-being indicators comparing the younger cohort at age 22 with the older cohort at the same age in 2016, alongside tracking the younger cohort's progress from age 12 to 22. The sample includes 948 participants from Telangana alone — 641 from the younger cohort and 307 from the older cohort, representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Many relied heavily on grains and carbohydrates while consuming fewer fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods. However, some improvement was seen, particularly among women from the young cohort. By 2023, 40% of 22-year-old women consumed more than five food groups daily, compared to just 18% in the older cohort at the same age in 2016. The improvement was higher among women (22.5%) than men (7.8%). Underweight prevalence According to Dr. P. Prudhvikar Reddy, one of the speakers at the launch event at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) in Hyderabad's Begumpet on Friday, underweight prevalence remains higher among participants from socially marginalised groups and rural areas, while obesity was more prevalent among wealthier and urban participants. 'At age 22, we saw more underweight participants among Scheduled Castes (SCs), rural youth, and those with mothers who had lower levels of education,' he said. The reasons Dr. Reddy attributed these trends to changing diets, high consumption of fatty foods, and reduced physical activity. Cardiovascular risk also rose - 22.7% of women were found to be at high risk, compared to just 8.5% of men. Women and Child Welfare Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka called the malnutrition levels in tribal and rural areas 'deeply concerning' and said these areas would be prioritised. 'As someone from a tribal background, I understand these challenges. Diets in rural areas are healthier than today's hybrid food consumption in cities. We need targeted, data-driven interventions,' she said. Well-being scores showed modest improvement, with the younger cohort rating their subjective well-being at 5.1 on a 1–9 scale, slightly higher than the older cohort's 4.9. Mental health indicators were mixed: 15% of the younger cohort reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, lower than the 21% (anxiety) and 17% (depression) among the older cohort. Stress levels remained high, with little progress - 68% among the younger cohort versus 71% in the older group. Dr. Reddy called for broader public health measures that go beyond food subsidies and address early-life nutritional inequalities. He stressed the need for ensuring access to healthy, diverse diets and promoting active lifestyles to counter emerging health risks.
New Indian Express
31-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Telangana will support research initiatives: Minister Danasari Anasuya
HYDERABAD: Research and surveys play an important role in shaping government policies and welfare schemes, said Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya, also known as Seethakka. She was speaking after releasing the Young Lives Round-7 survey report at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) campus in Begumpet on Friday. The minister acknowledged CESS for conducting a comprehensive study on indicators such as education, health, nutrition, learning ability, work and family conditions. She stated that the findings from field-based surveys are useful in identifying gaps in existing policies and can contribute to policy formulation and revisions. Seethakka noted the government's focus on improving education, healthcare and nutrition, particularly for underprivileged and tribal communities. Recalling her own childhood, she said she was familiar with the experience of hunger as a tribal child and added that efforts are being made to address nutritional deficiencies among school children in tribal regions. She said government hostels and schools are being upgraded with improved facilities and meals. The minister described malnutrition as a major barrier to development in tribal areas and referred to the government's initiative of distributing nutrient-rich chikkis to help girls tackle anaemia. Seethakka underlined the role of evidence-based surveys in highlighting public issues, developmental needs, and gaps in governance. She said the Congress government in Telangana would support such research initiatives. Others present at the event included Economic and Political Weekly editor and ICFAI School of Social Sciences professor S Mahendra Dev, CESS director and Young Lives India principal investigator E Revathi, NHM representative Dr Padmaja and Young Lives India country director Renu Singh.
