Human Resources in India 

Introduction

Human resources we mean the size of population of a country along-with its efficiency, educational qualities, productivity, organisational abilities and farsightedness. By human resource we mean human capital. Human capital implies the abilities, skills and technical knowhow among the population of the country. A country should introduce manpower planning for the development of its human resources.
Human resources must be considered both from the angle of assets as well as the liabilities connected with the attainment of economic development. For the attainment of economic development, proper utilisation of both natural as well as human resources is very much essential.

Proper utilisation of natural endowments and the level of production of national wealth depend very much on the extent and efficiency of human resources.

But too much population will again eat up all the fruits of development. Thus from the point of view of economic welfare, it is quite essential to study human resources in detail. It should be equally stressed that human beings are the vital instrument of production and at the same time, fruits of all economic activities are rested on the betterment of conditions of living of human beings.

Thus in view of its importance, it is quite essential to know both in quantitative and qualitative terms, the size, rate of growth, the composition, distribution and all other demographic features of population of India.

Importance of Human Resources 

Economic Growth:

Driving the Economy:
Human resources are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to productivity and innovation.

Sustained Development:
A well-managed workforce, especially a young and increasingly educated workforce, is crucial for sustained economic growth and development.

Global Competitiveness:
Investing in human capital, through education, training, and skill development, helps India compete on the global stage.

Meeting National Needs:
Human resources are essential for meeting the country's diverse needs in various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services.

Social Development

Human Development:
Investing in human resources contributes to broader human development, improving health, education, and living standards.

Reducing Inequality:
Empowering individuals through education and employment opportunities helps reduce inequality and create a more equitable society.

Productive Lives:
Supporting citizens to lead productive and fulfilling lives is a key factor in overall social well-being.

Other Important Aspects

Recruiting and Staffing:
HR plays a vital role in attracting and retaining talent, which is crucial for organizational success.

Employee Engagement and Motivation:
Creating a positive and engaging work environment through effective HR practices leads to higher productivity and retention.

Training and Development:
Investing in employee development ensures the workforce has the skills needed to adapt to changing industries and technologies.

Legal Compliance:
HR teams ensure that organizations adhere to labor laws and regulations, protecting both employees and the company.

Distribution of population  in India 

India's population distribution is unevenly spread, with a majority residing in rural areas, while urban areas are experiencing rapid growth. As per the 2011 census, approximately 68.84% of the population lived in rural areas, and 31.16% lived in urban areas. The sex ratio in India, which is the number of females per 1000 males, is generally considered to be lower than the expected 1:1 ratio. Specifically, according to the NFHS-5 (2019-21) survey, the overall sex ratio is 1020 females per 1000 males, with rural areas having a slightly higher ratio of 1037 and urban areas having a lower ratio of 985.

Rural-Urban Distribution:

Rural Areas:
The majority of India's population, approximately 68.84%, resides in rural areas, which are characterized by villages and towns.

Urban Areas:
The remaining 31.16% of the population lives in urban areas, which are experiencing rapid growth due to factors like migration and natural increase.

Sex Ratio:
Overall Sex Ratio: The overall sex ratio in India is 1020 females per 1000 males, according to NFHS-5 (2019-21).

Rural Sex Ratio: Rural areas have a higher sex ratio, with 1037 females per 1000 males.

Urban Sex Ratio: Urban areas have a lower sex ratio, with 985 females per 1000 males.

Geographic Distribution:
Uneven Distribution: India's population is not evenly distributed across the country.

Regional Variations: Some regions have higher population densities than others, influenced by factors like fertile land, access to water, and economic opportunities.

Factors Influencing Distribution:
Rural-Urban Migration:
People migrate from rural areas to urban areas in search of employment and better living conditions.

Natural Increase:
The natural increase (births minus deaths) contributes to population growth in both rural and urban areas.

Geographic Factors:
Physical features like fertile land, water resources, and climate play a role in population distribution.

Role of Health and Education in Developing Human Resources :

A healthy and educated population is a strong human resource.

Health: A healthy person is more productive and can contribute more effectively to the economy. Good health leads to higher attendance at work or school, increased efficiency, and a longer working life. Government initiatives like vaccination programs and access to healthcare facilities play a vital role in improving the health of our population.

Education: Education equips people with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to perform various tasks and adapt to new technologies. An educated workforce can drive innovation, improve productivity, and contribute to the overall intellectual and economic growth of the nation. Schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) aim to ensure education for all.

Skilled and Unskilled Human Resources:

Human resources can be broadly classified into skilled and unskilled categories:

Skilled Human Resources: These are individuals who have acquired specific training, knowledge, and expertise in a particular field. They possess abilities that require a certain level of learning and practice.

Examples: Doctors, engineers, teachers, software developers, electricians, carpenters with specialized training, nurses, architects.

Unskilled Human Resources: These are individuals who primarily perform manual labor that does not require specialized training or a high level of education.

Examples: Construction laborers, agricultural laborers (in some cases), factory helpers, domestic help (without specialized training), loaders, sweepers.

It's important to note that the line between skilled and unskilled can sometimes be blurry, and even seemingly "unskilled" jobs require some level of experience and ability. However, the key differentiator is the level of formal training and specialized knowledge involved.

Impact of Skilled Human Resource on the Socioeconomic Development of the Country:

A well-developed pool of skilled human resources has a profound positive impact on a country's socioeconomic development:

Economic Growth: Skilled workers are more productive, can handle complex tasks, and contribute to higher quality goods and services. This leads to increased economic output, higher incomes, and overall economic growth.

Innovation and Technological Advancement: Skilled individuals, especially in fields like science, technology, and engineering, drive innovation and technological progress. This leads to new industries, better processes, and a more competitive economy.

Improved Infrastructure and Services: Skilled professionals are essential for building and maintaining infrastructure (roads, bridges, power plants) and providing quality services like healthcare, education, and financial services.

Higher Standard of Living: With a skilled workforce, individuals earn better wages, leading to a higher standard of living, improved access to resources, and better quality of life for the population.

Reduced Poverty and Inequality: Skill development can empower individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with opportunities for better-paying jobs and helping to reduce poverty and income inequality.

Global Competitiveness: A country with a highly skilled workforce is more competitive in the global market, attracting investment and enabling it to export high-value goods and services.

A few initiatives taken by The Indian government for the development of our workforce:

In our country, the Ministry of Education is responsible for ensuring that the skills, knowledge and competency of our human resources are adequately developed. The Indian government has taken a few initiatives for the development of our workforce.

Skill India initiative: 

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) was formed in July 2014 to improve employability by focussing on skill development efforts across the nation. Recent statistics show that more than one crore fresh candidates have been introduced into the Indian workforce thanks to the Indian government’s Skill India initiative. This will help reduce unemployment and bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled human resources.

Promoting start-ups: 

Brain drain, or the migration of high-skilled professionals to developed countries, is one of the biggest challenges facing India. To counter this challenge, the government is offering scholarships and promoting start-ups. The government is setting up several new start-up and research parks in association with the IITs, NITs and some Central Universities. These would nurture the start-ups and hand-hold them for a period of five years or till they reach the stage of commercialisation.

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan: 

The RMSA aims to address the concerns of secondary education by improving school infrastructure through the construction of additional class rooms, laboratories, toilet blocks and libraries. Till date, 10,513 new secondary schools have been approved under the scheme.

Conclusion

Human resources are undoubtedly India's most valuable asset. By focusing on the health and education of our people and investing in skill development, we can transform our large population into a powerful engine for socioeconomic progress. A skilled and healthy population will not only lead to economic prosperity but also contribute to a more equitable and developed India for all its citizens.

Bibliography 

https://theintactone.com/2020/01/05/human-resources-of-india

https://chahalacademy.com/sex-ratio

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1806605

https://www.insightsonindia.com/

https://www.jkgeography.com/population-distribution.html