PM Modi addresses Rozgar Mela, highlights youth as drivers of Nation-building

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Rozgar Mela via videoconference yesterday, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping a developed India. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the appointments made through the Mela are not merely government jobs, but opportunities to actively contribute to nation-building.

Highlighting the festive spirit of Diwali, Shri Modi noted that receiving appointment letters during the festival brings a “double dose of joy” to over 51,000 youth across the country. He extended his congratulations to all the appointees and their families, urging the young professionals to embrace the mantra of “Nagarik Devo Bhava” and serve the nation with integrity and dedication. “When youth succeed, the nation succeeds,” Shri Modi remarked, stressing that combining enthusiasm, hard work, and a spirit of service will make individual achievements a triumph for the country.

What Is Rozgar Mela?

The Rozgar Mela is a nationwide employment initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22, 2022. While various employment drives existed earlier, this program is distinctive in its focus on transparent, large-scale recruitment for government jobs, targeting youth empowerment and skill utilization across India. Over the past three years, Rozgar Melas have issued more than 11 lakh appointment letters, covering sectors including Railways, Health, Posts, Finance, and others. These Melas are organized periodically, with multiple editions every year in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nanded, Guwahati, and Delhi, providing consistent employment opportunities for youth.

Achievements and broader impact

• Employment Opportunities : The initiative has provided over 11 lakh jobs in three years, complementing other government schemes such as PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana and Skill India Mission.

• Youth Engagement : Platforms like the Pratibha Setu Portal ensure that talent from candidates who reach the final UPSC lists is not wasted but redirected towards productive nation-building roles.

• Skill Development : Tools such as the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat Platform and NSDC-supported training programs equip young recruits with modern skills and professional competence.

• Economic Stimulus : Programs like the GST Bachat Utsav have strengthened demand, production, and employment in MSMEs, retail, logistics, and manufacturing.

• Global Opportunities : Investment agreements and collaborations with countries such as the UK, Europe, Brazil, Singapore, Korea, and Canada are expected to generate thousands of jobs for Indian youth.

India’s unemployment context

Despite government efforts, India’s unemployment rate currently stands at 3.2% (PLFS 2023–24). Urban unemployment is slightly higher at 5.1%, while rural areas remain at 2.5%. Youth employment remains a focus, with nearly 61% of net payroll additions in organized sectors contributed by individuals under 29. When PM Modi first assumed office in 2014, he promised to create one crore jobs annually, but actual employment generation fell short of that ambitious target. Over time, initiatives like Rozgar Mela aim to bridge this gap by providing structured, large-scale opportunities for youth.

Outlook

As India marches towards being one of the fastest-growing major economies, continued economic expansion, sectoral growth in AI, fintech, renewable energy, and global investments are expected to generate more employment. Government programs complement this growth, but the pace of employment generation also depends on skills, adaptability, and personal initiative.

While initiatives like Rozgar Mela, Pratibha Setu Portal, and Skill India are making significant strides in addressing unemployment, individual determination to upskill remains crucial. Government-led wealth creation, economic growth, and sectoral expansion will continue to generate jobs, but youth must actively enhance their skills to fully benefit from these opportunities. In the journey towards a developed India, personal effort and government initiatives together will shape the nation’s employment landscape.