PM Modi Launches Rs.2,400 Crore Employment Incentives; Over 53,000 Youth in J&K Benefit Under PM-VBRY
PM Modi Launches ₹2,400 Crore Employment Incentives; Over 53,000 Youth in J&K Benefit Under PM-VBRY
Srinagar, June 19, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday disbursed employment-linked incentives worth around ₹2,400 crore to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries across the country under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), a flagship scheme aimed at promoting formal employment, supporting first-time job seekers, and encouraging employers to create additional jobs.
The nationwide programme was conducted simultaneously at 200 locations, with the main event held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shobha Karandlaje, senior government officials, employer representatives, and beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said India's youth are receiving unprecedented global recognition for their talent, skills, and potential. He described the PM-VBRY as more than an employment scheme, stating that it is designed to empower first-time employees while creating a strong bridge between young job seekers and industry.
"Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is about empowering first-time employees and building a bridge between youth and industry," the Prime Minister said, expressing confidence that the initiative would help young Indians translate their potential into success.
J&K Receives Major Boost
As part of the national programme, the Ministry of Labour & Employment organised special events at the Convention Centre, Jammu, and the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, Samba.
In Jammu and Kashmir, 1,522 employees received incentives amounting to ₹74 lakh, while 304 employers received nearly ₹25.42 crore directly into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), providing a significant boost to formal employment and social security in the Union Territory.
LG Sinha Highlights Employment Transformation
Addressing the UT-level programme virtually, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Modi for giving a fresh impetus to employment generation, improving employability, and expanding social security coverage across Jammu and Kashmir.
Calling the occasion a milestone in the Union Territory's development journey, the Lieutenant Governor said the programme symbolised the aspirations and opportunities being created for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that before August 2019, workers in Jammu and Kashmir were deprived of comprehensive social security protections. However, after the implementation of the Employees' Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, in November 2019, lakhs of workers in the region were brought under the national social security framework for the first time.
The Lieutenant Governor said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has consistently focused on strengthening employment generation and social security, describing PM-VBRY as a landmark initiative in that direction.
He noted that the scheme aims to make formal employment the norm while ensuring that every young citizen receives an opportunity to realise his or her aspirations.
Scheme Based on Two Pillars
Explaining the structure of the scheme, the Lieutenant Governor said PM-VBRY operates on two key pillars.
The first provides direct financial incentives to young people entering formal employment for the first time, encouraging them to remain in the organised workforce. The second supports employers by providing incentives for creating additional jobs and expanding their workforce.
He said the scheme is expected to incentivise more than 3.5 crore employment opportunities across the country over the next two years, reflecting the government's commitment to sustainable job creation and economic growth.
Strong Response from Jammu & Kashmir
Highlighting the Union Territory's performance under the scheme, the Lieutenant Governor said that over 3,300 establishments in Jammu and Kashmir have already registered under PM-VBRY.
More than 22,500 youth have entered formal employment for the first time, while over 31,000 jobs have qualified for incentives, positively impacting the lives of more than 53,000 citizens.
He also commended the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for implementing reforms aligned with the government's vision of Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living, and urged more industries and establishments across the Union Territory to register under the scheme.
About PM-VBRY
Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is the Government of India's flagship Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme aimed at promoting formal employment and expanding social security coverage.
Under the scheme, eligible first-time employees receive financial assistance equivalent to one month's wages, up to ₹15,000, while employers receive financial incentives for two years for generating additional employment. The manufacturing sector is eligible for an extended incentive period of another two years to encourage sustained job creation in labour-intensive industries.
Programmes Held Across J&K
The Prime Minister's address was broadcast live at multiple locations across Jammu and Kashmir, including Lok Bhavan Srinagar, Convention Centre Jammu, NIFT College, SIDCO Industrial Complex, Ompora Budgam, and the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, Samba.
The programme at Convention Centre Jammu was attended by Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, senior government officials, industry representatives, EPFO officers, employers, and around 600 participants, including nearly 400 beneficiaries and over 200 employers.
During the event, employers distributed 20 appointment letters to newly recruited employees at Convention Centre Jammu, while six appointment letters were handed over during the programme at Bari Brahmana, Samba.
Employer representatives welcomed the initiative, saying the scheme had positively impacted industries by supporting employment generation through direct financial assistance. Employee beneficiaries also shared their experiences, appreciating the government's efforts to promote formal employment and strengthen workers' financial security.
Among those present at various venues were Labour Commissioner Charandeep Singh, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I Sumeet Singh, senior government officials, EPFO officers, employers, beneficiaries, and representatives of industry associations. ANB
