Opening Plenary at charcha 2025

Livelihoods have long been discussed, debated, and analysed. But with rapid structural shifts, emerging technologies like AI, and the national vision of a Viksit Bharat, the question now is- do we need to think about livelihoods differently? Is it time for a new paradigm?

This is what set the stage at the opening plenary of charcha 2025, India’s largest collaborative convening, where leaders across India’s policy, economic, and development landscape came together to reflect on what shapes livelihoods today — and what it will take to strengthen them at scale.

Moderated by Vikram Chandra, Founder & MD, Editorji Technologies, the session featured:

Dr. KP Krishnan (IAS), Former Secretary, Ministry of Skill and Development, Govt. of India

Amitabh Kant (IAS), India's G20 Sherpa, Former CEO, NITI Aayog, Government of India

Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, India

Alka Upadhyaya (IAS), Secretary - National Commission for Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Govt. of India

Over the course of the discussion, the panel explored how livelihoods in India are influenced by a combination of growth patterns, skilling systems, migration, urbanisation, regulatory environments, and the strength of local institutions.

Key themes that emerged included:

Labour force participation and unemployment are strongly correlated with the growth rate of a state. Hence, India really has 28 vibrant state labor markets, each shaped by distinct cultural and economic contexts

Degrees do not always translate into employable skills — graduates are 4× more likely to be unemployed, while employers cite gaps in foundational abilities

98.8% of enterprises in India remain micro-enterprises, facing challenges related to credit, scale, and compliance

With 46% of India’s workforce still in agriculture, manufacturing-linked growth and urbanisation were discussed as important pathways for jobs

Gig work is the future of livelihoods

Informal workers, women in SHGs, youth, and micro-entrepreneurs play a significant role in value creation, though their contributions are often outside formal recognition

The plenary also pointed to opportunities ahead: from the role of AI in making information accessible at the last mile, to local, decentralised solutions that demonstrate how systems adapt, and the gradual shift from welfare-first thinking toward employment and enterprise-led growth.

As a platform, charcha brings together policymakers, practitioners, markets, philanthropy, and communities in one room — helping build shared understanding and alignment. Convenings like this contribute to shaping an ecosystem where livelihoods can strengthen through collaboration, not in silos.

To watch more such conversations from charcha 2025, please visit:    • charcha 2025  
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