India, Jan. 24 -- With the Union Budget 2026-27 approaching on February 1, policy decisions will be critical in determining whether India's demographic advantage translates into tangible economic gains. Amid various priorities, the government's renewed focus on skills, employment, innovation, and start-ups is both timely and essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. However, policy intent must be matched by effective implementation. The central challenge is whether Budget 2026 can elevate Skill India from a training initiative into a robust engine for employment generation.

The emphasis on employment-linked skill development represents a significant strategic shift, particularly given that nearly 67 per cent of India's populat...