- Dr. Nivedita Sharma
Bharat today stands at a historic juncture from where its path clearly leads toward becoming a global superpower. In the seventy-eight years since independence, the nation has witnessed many ups and downs, but in recent years, the pace with which India has matured its economic, strategic, technological, and social capacities is exemplary for any country. The announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day is an important milestone in this journey. The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is not merely a policy initiative; it is part of a larger vision aimed at shaping India into a self-reliant, empowered, and opportunity-rich society. At the same time, the Prime Minister’s declaration is symbolic of the belief that India’s future lies in its youth. It is this very conviction that will lead us to the goal where India will not only open the path of prosperity for its citizens but also guide the world towards peace, progress, and human values.
This scheme, being implemented with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore, has set a target of generating 35 million jobs within the next two years. At first glance, the announcement may appear to be just another government program, but on closer inspection, it is directly linked to India’s growing economy, its social fabric, and its aspirations for global leadership. For any nation, the path to becoming a superpower inevitably runs through the hands of its youth. For the young too, this is an opportunity backed by a social security framework. When their labor is duly recognized, not only do they prosper individually, but the collective progress of the nation is also ensured.
Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and, according to policy projections, is poised to soon become the third. This is not merely a numbers game but tangible proof that India’s production, exports, service capacity, and domestic market are expanding at an unprecedented pace. At a time when Western economies are grappling with recessionary trends, India’s growth rate remains at its peak. Institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have acknowledged that India today is the biggest engine of global economic growth.
Alongside this, India’s foreign policy and international image have also strengthened its prospects of becoming a superpower. Developed nations such as the US, Europe, and Japan now regard India as a trusted partner. India’s leadership role in forums such as BRICS and the G20 is clearly visible. The strides made in defense production, space technology, the digital economy, and green energy will, in the coming years, set directions for the world. If at such a moment India is able to further strengthen its internal structures—especially employment and social security—its path toward global superpower status will become even smoother.
From what is visible today, Prime Minister Modi’s address from the Red Fort indicated that the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana will serve as a medium to deepen India’s growth into society. Part ‘A’ of the scheme directly targets youth entering the workforce for the first time. Young people, who have just completed their education and are stepping into a new phase of life, will receive up to ₹15,000 as an incentive in two installments. This will not only reduce their financial burden but also make them aware of the importance of financial literacy. This aspect is crucial because many young Indians, even after securing employment, fail to cultivate a habit of saving and investing. A part of this incentive will mandatorily remain deposited in their savings account, instilling financial discipline.
The second part of the scheme is aimed at encouraging employers. Without job creation in industry and services, the aspirations of youth cannot find a solid foundation. The government has made it clear that it is willing to reduce the burden on employers. If a company recruits a new employee with a salary of up to ₹1 lakh, the government will provide assistance of ₹3,000 per employee per month for two years. Special priority has been given to the manufacturing sector, where this support will be extended to four years. This arrangement clearly indicates that India does not want to remain dependent solely on the service sector, but by accelerating the ‘Make in India’ initiative, it aims to make manufacturing its economic backbone as well.
It is evident that most of the flagship schemes of the central government are reaching the grassroots. The Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, Startup India, and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are prime examples. These initiatives have brought transformation both to society and the economy. Therefore, expectations from the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana are also high—that it will not remain confined to announcements but will create real opportunities for youth. It would not be wrong to say that the scheme will also have a wide impact on India’s social structure.
Indeed, it is a fact that a large part of India’s workforce still belongs to the unorganized sector. Millions of people are engaged in temporary work without any social security. However, this scheme specifically targets employees registered with EPFO and employers linked with PAN accounts. This means millions of youth and hundreds of thousands of companies will enter the formal economy. Once the workforce becomes formalized, it gains access to health insurance, pensions, provident funds, and other benefits. This reduces inequality in society and expands the ambit of economic security.
Another crucial aspect of India’s superpower journey is its demography. Today, more than half of India’s population is under 30. This ‘demographic dividend’ is both an opportunity and a challenge. If these young people are provided with adequate education, skills, and employment, they will not only elevate India’s economy to new heights but also establish the global reputation of Indian talent. However, if this very youth falls prey to unemployment and despair, social unrest could also arise. In this context, the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is a timely and visionary step. It embodies the vision of an India where every young person not only finds a job but also an opportunity for a dignified life.
(The writer is a Member of the Madhya Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights)
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Hindusthan Samachar / Mayank Chaturvedi
