New Delhi, Nov. 25 -- India's economic achievement in recent years is significant-but its real test lies ahead. A rapidly growing workforce is stepping into the labour market with stronger aspirations than any generation before it: better pay, better prospects, better dignity at work.

Over the next two decades, millions of young Indians will join the workforce each year, and whether India's demographic edge becomes a national dividend or a missed opportunity will depend on whether work becomes more attractive, secure and enabling.

The Indian economy today is more diversified and dynamic than ever. Manufacturing is expanding, buoyed by infrastructure investments and targeted industrial programmes.

Yet, the nature of work is evolving. Ma...