A Critical Discourse Analysis of Political Speeches and Policy Implementation on Youth Empowerment in India
Abstract
India has one of the world’s youngest populations, with youth representing a critical driver of economic growth and social change. Political leaders frequently emphasize youth empowerment in their public addresses. This study explores the relationship between political rhetoric and policy implementation in India by analyzing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches on youth empowerment, skilling, and education. The aim of the research is to assess whether the promises and narratives presented in political speeches align with the actual progress of youth-focused policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), and emerging initiatives in artificial intelligence and innovation. The methodology follows Van Dijk’s Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) model, which examines discourse at textual, cognitive, and social levels. Four key speeches delivered between 2021 and 2023 were analyzed, and the narratives were compared with official policy documents, government press releases, and secondary research to identify overlaps and gaps. The main findings indicate that while speeches consistently highlight inclusive, future-oriented themes of skill development, education reform, and technological advancement, the pace of implementation is uneven. Many initiatives mentioned remain in pilot or early stages, with limited rural reach and disparities across states. This reflects a recurring gap between political ambition and policy reality. The study implies that political discourse often amplifies successes while underplaying challenges. Future research should include youth perspectives and quantitative evaluation of policy outcomes to strengthen accountability in political communication.
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