PM-VBRY Scheme Driving Employment Growth for India's Young Workforce

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized that the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is playing a pivotal role in generating employment for first-time workers and formalizing the workforce across India.

Speaking at an event held at RTC Kala Bhavan in Hyderabad on Thursday, Kishan Reddy stressed that India's young workforce would be instrumental in realizing the nation's development aspirations by 2047. He characterized the scheme as a landmark programme aimed at spurring job creation and bringing workers into the formal employment sector.

Strong Youth Participation in Formal Employment

The Minister pointed to significant progress in workforce formalization, revealing that more than 3.45 crore young individuals have entered the formal sector between 2020 and 2025. With nearly 80 lakh youth entering the job market annually, Kishan Reddy underscored the necessity for the government to introduce fresh measures to accommodate this growing workforce.

Employment Linked Incentive Scheme Details

Central to the initiative is the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme, which carries a budgetary allocation of Rs.99,446 crore. The scheme is designed to facilitate employment for over 3.5 crore individuals across a two-year timeframe, while simultaneously encouraging greater integration into the formal economy.

Benefits for Workers and Employers

The programme extends tangible support to both workers and businesses. First-time employees meeting eligibility criteria can access a one-time incentive of up to Rs.15,000. Concurrently, employers receive financial assistance to scale their operations and create additional employment opportunities. Kishan Reddy noted that this dual approach would enhance worker welfare and foster stronger collaboration between the industrial sector and the workforce.

Broader Development Agenda

The Minister also highlighted complementary measures being pursued by the Centre, including labour reforms and skill development programmes. These initiatives are positioning Indian youth for enhanced opportunities in the global employment landscape. According to Kishan Reddy, the PM-VBRY scheme would not only support sustained economic expansion but also establish enduring pathways to gainful employment for the country's younger generation.