Human capital in India: transformation and challenges

Ankur Kushwaha and Yashika Shukla

Chapter 7 in Augmenting National and International Human Capital, 2026, pp 103-122 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter explores the evolution of human capital in India, focusing on the key transformations and challenges that have shaped its trajectory. This chapter begins with a historical analysis of how social divisions, colonialism, and post-independence policies influenced skill formation and education. This chapter then examines the persistent skill–industry gap, highlighting mismatches between educational outputs and employer expectations. It also discusses how the rise of new work arrangements, particularly the gig economy, has complicated human capital development by eroding traditional skilling pathways and formal training mechanisms. This chapter concludes with recommendations for building an inclusive and future-ready human capital strategy for India.

Keywords: Human Capital; India; Transformation in Human Capital; Gig Economy; Human Capital Strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035318278
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035318285.00015 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:22636_7

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().