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India News Updated Jun 19, 2026

PM Modi Disburses Rs 2,400 Crore, Says Youth Key to Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed Rs 2,400 crore in incentives under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, emphasizing that India's youth will drive the nation's development. The scheme has created nearly 7 million jobs and provided social security to first-time employees. Modi highlighted the rapid growth of India's startup ecosystem, from 500 to over 2 lakh registered startups in a decade. He also noted that new trade agreements with European nations will generate millions of additional employment opportunities.

Aspirations, skills and potential of India's youth will shape the path to Viksit Bharat: PM Modi

New Delhi, June 19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday disbursed around Rs 2,400 crore in incentives under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, and said that India's journey towards becoming a developed nation rests on the aspirations, skills and capabilities of its youth.

Addressing an event in the national capital, the Prime Minister said India is among the youngest countries in the world and highlighted the government's efforts to create employment opportunities across sectors.

"India is one of the youngest countries in the world. Therefore, the path to a developed India also lies through the dreams, skills, and capabilities of the youth. Our endeavour is to ensure that every youth in the country progresses as much as possible according to their potential. Those who have talent should get opportunities, those who have ideas should get a platform for innovation, and those who want to do something on their own should get full support," said PM Modi.

The Prime Minister said employment opportunities have expanded significantly over the past 12 years, with new avenues emerging in infrastructure, innovation, manufacturing, the digital economy, space and the startup ecosystem.

"With this thought in mind, every avenue of employment has been strengthened over the past 12 years. New opportunities have been created in every sector, from infrastructure to innovation, from manufacturing to the digital economy, from space to startups," PM Modi added.

Highlighting the impact of PM-VBRY, PM Modi said the scheme has supported the creation of nearly 7 million jobs so far, while extending social security coverage to an equal number of first-time employees.

"With the support of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, nearly 7 million jobs have been created so far. Nearly 7 million first-time employees have also received social security coverage. Nearly 2 million young people have completed six months in their first job, and today, nearly 1 million of these young people have received incentives as beneficiaries of this scheme after completing six months in their first job. More than Rs 2,000 crore has been transferred directly to their bank accounts. This amount is not just financial assistance; it is recognition of their hard work," he said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to the rapid growth of India's startup ecosystem, noting that the country had only around 500 startups a decade ago compared to over two lakh registered startups today.

"Once upon a time, there were only about 500 startups in the country. Today, there are over 2 lakh registered startups, and you'll find them in every district of the country. These figures give confidence that India's youth will lead the world's growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the coming years. Everyone in the world is very excited about India's future today. Today, India is entering into new trade agreements with the world, agreements that are opening up new markets for Indian industries and creating new opportunities for Indian professionals," said PM Modi.

He further stated that India is entering into new trade agreements with countries across the world, opening fresh markets for Indian industries and creating new opportunities for professionals.

Referring to recent agreements with several European nations, PM Modi said such partnerships would contribute to generating millions of new jobs in the country.

"In the past few months, important agreements have also been signed with several European countries. These agreements are also becoming a means of creating millions of new jobs in the country. The world is preparing for the economy of the future, and India is preparing to lead the economy of the future. The world is moving towards future technology, and India is working to make its youth future-ready. This is the biggest opportunity for the youth of India, and we must take full advantage of this opportunity," PM Modi said.

Speaking at the event, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya praised the Prime Minister's vision, saying it had transformed the traditional perception of labour and industry.

"In building a new India, PM Narendra Modi's vision has transformed thinking and advanced new dimensions. There was a time when those who spoke for labour were considered pro-labour. They were considered anti-industry, and those who spoke for industry were considered anti-labour. But your vision has transformed this narrative. Today, you have defined both employers and workers as national builders, and both feel proud," he said.

— ANI

Reader Comments

James A

As someone working in tech in Bangalore, I can confirm the startup ecosystem has exploded. When I came here 8 years ago, it was just a few IT parks. Now every second building has a startup. The global trade agreements are opening doors for Indian talent abroad. Encouraging numbers, but ground implementation needs to match the vision.

Sneha F

My brother just got his first job under PM-VBRY and the Rs 15,000 incentive was a huge help. The social security coverage is what excites me most - finally first-time employees are getting PF and medical benefits. But we need more such schemes for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, not just metros. 🤞

Michael C

Impressive stats - 2 lakh startups from 500 in a decade is massive! But let's be real, many of these startups are in the same metro cities. I run a small manufacturing unit in Pune and the skill gap is real. The government should also focus on vocational training in traditional industries, not just digital. The 'future-ready' talk is good but we need present-ready skills too.

Rahul R

The PM is spot on about India's demographic dividend. But 'Viksit Bharat' won't be built just by speeches and schemes - we need a fundamental shift in our education system. IITs and IIMs are great, but our engineering colleges are churning out graduates who can't code basic programs. Skill development at school level is the real need of the hour. 🎓

Emma D

Interesting to see the contrast - in the West, we worry about automation taking jobs, while

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