Digital Inclusion, Rural Youth Capabilities and Inclusive Growth in India: An Empirical Assessment towards Viksit Bharat 2047

This study empirically examines the role of digital empowerment in enhancing technology adoption, future skill development, and youth employability in rural and semi-urban India, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Using primary data collected from 348 youth respondents through a structured questionnaire, the study applies reliability analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and mediation analysis using IBM SPSS. The results indicate that digital literacy has a significant positive effect on technology adoption, while access to digital resources, though positively correlated, does not exert a significant direct influence in the regression model. Technology adoption significantly enhances future skill development, which in turn has a strong positive impact on youth employability and inclusive growth outcomes. Mediation analysis reveals that technology adoption partially mediates the relationship between digital literacy and employability outcomes, highlighting the importance of effective technology usage beyond mere access. The findings underscore the need for capability-based digital policies that prioritize digital skills and future readiness to achieve inclusive and sustainable youth development under the national digital transformation agenda.