New Delhi, 19 September (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon young people entering government service to make “Nagarik Devo Bhava” (the citizen is supreme) their guiding mantra, stressing that serving citizens is equivalent to serving the nation. He said the public’s experience with the government is shaped by the conduct, sensitivity, efficiency and integrity of government employees.

PM Modi addressed the 20th Rozgar Mela through video conferencing and handed over appointment letters to more than 51,000 newly recruited young people joining various government departments and organisations. The employment fair was organised simultaneously at 45 locations across the country.

Congratulating the newly appointed recruits and their families, he said their success was the result not only of their hard work but also of the sacrifices made by their parents and families.

The Prime Minister said the young people receiving appointment letters were entering government service at a time when India is moving towards its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He urged them to ensure that every decision they take and every effort they make contributes to strengthening the resolve of a developed and self-reliant India.

He said the world’s confidence in the skills, talent and innovative capabilities of Indian youth is growing. Young Indians are making their mark across various sectors globally, and the same energy and capabilities should now be reflected in public service as well.PM Modi stressed that young employees would need to keep learning continuously and equip themselves to adapt to new technologies, systems and changing requirements.

Referring to the recently held BRICS Summit, PM Modi said India wants BRICS cooperation to extend beyond governments and include entrepreneurs, farmers, women and young people as active participants. He also referred to BRICS Connect and the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal.

PM Modi said India had entered into free trade agreements with around 40 countries in recent years, opening up new markets, partnerships and employment opportunities for Indian youth. The government, he said, was placing particular emphasis on preparing young people for the requirements of the future. The National Education Policy, Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and apprenticeship programmes are among the initiatives being undertaken in this direction.

He said India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem and that nearly half of the recognised startups are based in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. The Prime Minister said the government was working to create opportunities and an environment that would enable young people to become not merely job seekers but also job creators.

Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, PM Modi said the scheme aims to help around two crore young people enter the workforce for the first time. The government’s focus, he said, is not only on generating new employment opportunities but also on equipping young people to meet the demands of a changing economy.

PM Modi said the country’s economy had recorded growth of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of the current financial year. He said the pace of reforms was being accelerated further and the “Reform Express” was being pushed forward with full momentum. Measures aimed at simplifying the tax system and compliance, improving the ease of doing business, reforming education and skills, and promoting innovation are intended to accelerate economic growth and create employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister told the newly appointed government employees that whenever they signed a file or took a decision, they should keep in mind the aspirations of young people and the needs of citizens. He urged them to ensure that no other citizen has to face the same difficulties that they or their families may have encountered in the past.

He said more than 1.70 crore government employees have joined the Mission Karmayogi platform, while programmes such as “Karmayogi Prarambh” are helping new employees understand their responsibilities.

PM Modi said the government’s real strength lies in the trust of citizens. Therefore, he said, every action and every decision taken by government employees should serve to strengthen that trust. He urged the newly appointed young employees not to view government service merely as a job, but as an opportunity to serve the country and its citizens.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar