Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday disbursed incentives worth Rs 2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), benefiting more than 15 lakh individuals across the country and reinforcing the Government’s focus on employment generation and social security coverage.
The main programme was held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, while regional outreach events were organised simultaneously at 200 locations nationwide. In Noida, the Ministry of Labour and Employment conducted a special programme at the NIOS Auditorium in Sector-62, attended by beneficiaries, employers, industry representatives and Government officials.
The Noida event was graced by Gautam Buddh Nagar MP Dr Mahesh Sharma, who described the PM-VBRY as a “win-win” initiative for both employees and employers. Around 300 participants attended the programme, including 250 beneficiaries, 50 employers, representatives of industry associations, public representatives, state Government officials and officials from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
During the event, employers distributed 18 appointment letters to newly recruited workers, highlighting the scheme’s role in facilitating formal employment opportunities. Addressing beneficiaries and stakeholders from Vigyan Bhavan, Prime Minister Modi said the PM-VBRY was more than an employment scheme and served as a bridge between aspiring young workers and industry. He noted that the programme was unique in supporting both first-time employees and employers who generate new jobs.
“Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is much more than an employment scheme. It is an initiative designed to strengthen the aspirations of young people entering their first jobs while creating a robust bridge between industry and the workforce,” the Prime Minister said.
According to the Prime Minister, nearly 70 lakh new jobs have been created under the scheme so far, with an equal number of first-time workers brought under the social security net. He added that around 20 lakh young people have completed six months in their first jobs, while nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries have already received incentives after reaching this milestone.
More than Rs 2,000 crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts under the programme, he said, describing the support as both financial assistance and recognition of the efforts and aspirations of India’s youth.
The PM-VBRY, the Government of India’s flagship Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, seeks to promote formal employment and encourage workforce participation among first-time job seekers. Under the scheme, eligible first-time employees receive one month’s wage, up to Rs 15,000, while employers are provided incentives for up to two years for generating additional employment. Manufacturing sector employers are eligible for an extended period of support to encourage sustained job creation.
Speaking at the Noida event, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said the scheme was helping young people enter the formal workforce with confidence while encouraging employers to expand hiring. He said the initiative was aimed at creating large-scale employment opportunities and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach all sections of society.
Beneficiaries at the event also shared their experiences. A young software developer who recently secured his first job after completing a diploma in computer science said the scheme had provided encouragement and financial support while helping build confidence and career prospects.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening employment opportunities, expanding social security coverage and supporting India’s growing workforce through targeted incentives and industry partnerships.
