Investment in South Asia's Human Capital: Ensuring the 2 Qs for a Demographic Dividend: “Investing in people is investing in inclusive growth” World Bank (2018)

South Asia region is experiencing rapid demographic transition with growing population, rising inverse dependency ratios and improved human development indicators. While the growing reserve of youth population-termed as ‘human capital’ is a good indicator for economic progression, it has not been capitalized effectively in order to realize a qualitative demographic dividend. Neither has the region utilized its manpower in spearheading its growth and development. On the basis of emerging theoretical underpinnings, this paper aims to examine existing challenges and suggest measures for progressive development of human capital-qualitatively and quantitatively. It emphasizes enhanced investments in South Asia's young demographics and working age population to realise a favourable demographic dividend that in turn enables all round development of the region. The views are supported by current data and studies on the subject.