Modi addresses 18th Rozgar Mela, says youth central to India’s growth story

NEW DELHI: (Jan 24) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the 18th edition of the Rozgar Mela via video conferencing and said the initiative has evolved into an “institution” through which lakhs of young people have received appointment letters in government services.

Describing the beginning of 2026 as a period bringing new hope and responsibility, the Prime Minister said the day was significant as it coincided with key national occasions, including Parakram Diwas, National Voters’ Day and the anniversary of the adoption of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as the National Anthem. He noted that more than 61,000 youth were starting a new chapter in their lives by receiving appointment letters on the day.

“These appointment letters are an invitation to nation building and a pledge to accelerate the creation of a developed India,” Modi said, adding that the newly recruited youth would strengthen sectors such as national security, education, healthcare, financial services, energy security and public sector enterprises.

Highlighting that connecting youth with skills and employment has been a top priority, the Prime Minister said the Rozgar Mela was launched to bring government recruitment into mission mode. He said the current edition was being organised at over 40 locations across the country.

“India today is among the youngest nations in the world, and the government is consistently striving to create new opportunities for the youth, both domestically and globally,” he said, pointing to trade and mobility agreements with several countries that are opening fresh avenues for Indian workers.

Modi said unprecedented investments in infrastructure, rapid growth of the startup ecosystem and the expansion of Digital India were generating large-scale employment. He noted that nearly two lakh startups now employ over 21 lakh youth, while India is emerging as a global hub in animation, digital media and the creator economy.

Referring to foreign investment, the Prime Minister said India has doubled its GDP in a decade and is attracting investments from over 100 countries. “Greater foreign investment means more employment opportunities for the youth of India,” he said.

He also highlighted growth in manufacturing, particularly in electronics, pharmaceuticals, defence and automobiles. Electronics manufacturing has crossed ₹11 lakh crore and exports ₹4 lakh crore, while two-wheeler sales crossed two crore units in 2025, reflecting rising purchasing power, he said.

Stressing women’s empowerment, Modi said over 8,000 women received appointment letters at the event and women’s participation in the workforce has nearly doubled in the past 11 years.

The Prime Minister urged the newly appointed youth to ensure ease of living and honest governance, and to continuously upgrade their skills through platforms like iGOT Karmayogi.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh was present among other dignitaries.

Since its inception, more than 11 lakh recruitment letters have been issued through Rozgar Melas. The 18th edition was held at 45 locations across the country, with recruits joining various central ministries and departments.