New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the aspirations, skills and potential of India’s youth will determine the country’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, as he released incentives worth around Rs 2,400 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).

Addressing beneficiaries, industry representatives and stakeholders associated with the employment-linked incentive programme, Modi described the scheme as more than just a job creation initiative, saying it serves as a bridge between young job seekers and industry while strengthening confidence among first-time employees.

According to an official release, the incentives distributed under PM-VBRY have contributed to the creation of nearly 15 lakh jobs across the country.

The Prime Minister, who returned recently from France and Slovakia after attending the G7 Summit and holding discussions with global leaders, said Indian youth are increasingly being recognised worldwide for their talent and capabilities. He stressed that the government is committed to ensuring that every young person gets an opportunity to convert potential into success.

Modi noted that the programme is unique because it benefits both employees and employers. While supporting young people entering the workforce, it also encourages institutions and businesses that generate employment opportunities, he said.

Highlighting the scheme’s progress, the Prime Minister said nearly 70 lakh jobs have been generated so far and an equal number of first-time workers have been brought under the social security framework. 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 that milestone. More than Rs 2,000 crore has been transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.

Calling the assistance a symbol of national trust in the country’s youth, Modi said the initiative reflects confidence in their future and recognition of their hard work.

He said employment generation becomes more effective when government, industry and young people work together. According to him, the scheme reflects the vision of a new India where industries receive encouragement, youth gain opportunities and job creation becomes a national mission.

Emphasising India’s demographic advantage, Modi said the country’s development goals are closely tied to the ambitions and capabilities of its young population. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities that allow every young Indian to progress according to their abilities and aspirations.

The Prime Minister said the government has spent the last 12 years strengthening employment opportunities across sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation, digital technologies, space and startups. Initiatives such as Make in India, Vocal for Local and Mission Manufacturing have expanded both employment and self-employment prospects, he added.

He pointed out that infrastructure investments exceeding Rs 12 lakh crore are generating large-scale employment opportunities. He also highlighted that loans worth over Rs 33 lakh crore disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana have enabled millions of young entrepreneurs to start businesses.

Referring to women’s empowerment, Modi said more than 10 crore women are associated with Self-Help Groups, while over three crore women have emerged as “Lakhpati Didis”. Schemes such as PM SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma, he added, have strengthened the livelihoods of street vendors, artisans and small entrepreneurs.

The Prime Minister also cited emerging sectors such as drones, artificial intelligence and the digital economy as major sources of future employment. He said the rise of platform-based work, content creation and technology-driven enterprises has created opportunities that were previously unimaginable for millions of young Indians.

Highlighting the expansion of India’s startup ecosystem, Modi said the country has grown from around 500 startups a decade ago to more than two lakh registered startups operating across almost every district.

He recalled the recent “India Innovates” event in France, where Indian startups showcased their work before global investors in sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, green energy and space technology. The event, he said, reflected growing international confidence in India’s innovation ecosystem.

Modi also noted that India is entering into new trade agreements with countries across the world, opening fresh markets for Indian businesses and creating opportunities for professionals.

He stressed that India is preparing not just for the economy of the future but to lead it, with a focus on equipping young people with skills needed in rapidly evolving industries.

The Prime Minister further highlighted efforts to strengthen social security for workers, including reforms aimed at modernising the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), simplifying pension systems and expanding access to health insurance.

He said labour reforms and measures such as enabling women to work night shifts, promoting work-from-home opportunities and enhancing workplace safety are aimed at increasing women’s participation in the workforce.

Addressing industry leaders, Modi said skilled talent, innovation and quality will be the key drivers of economic success in the 21st century. He added that India possesses enormous potential in all three areas and is well-positioned to benefit from growing global confidence in its economy.

He urged businesses to invest in training, mentorship and internships, describing them as essential components of a future-ready workforce. India’s progress towards becoming a developed nation, he said, will be powered not merely by investment but by talent, innovation and high-quality standards.

Concluding his address, Modi encouraged young people to view failures as learning opportunities and remain resilient in pursuit of their goals.

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He expressed confidence that India’s youth would not only meet global expectations but surpass them through determination, creativity and innovation, describing this belief as one of the greatest strengths of a Viksit Bharat.