In the first area, provision of high-quality basic education seems most important
in expanding human capacity, while in the second area, elimination of
barriers to access productive employment is most crucial. Felipe (2010) argued
that if developing countries are serious about making growth inclusive, they
must place full employment at the top of the policy agenda. Cuaresma and Raggl
(2011) also noted that employment lies at the heart of the concept of inclusive
growth.
Therefore, this subsection will evaluate policies and strategies related to inclusive
growth in the PRC and India in terms of providing equal education and
employment opportunities for the disadvantaged groups, including women.
India has a younger population in comparison with not only advanced countries
but also the PRC and other developing countries. In 2011, about 30% of the total
population in India was aged below 15, while only 19% of the total population
in the PRC was below 15, as seen in Figure 11.5. The labor force in India is
expected to increase by 32% over the next 20 years (Planning Commission of
India 2011). This “demographic dividend” can add to growth potential and it can
be realized only when the extent and quality of education and skills development