Today, in the young companions connected with this program, I see the picture of India's bright future. Just a few hours ago, I returned from my visit to France and Slovakia. I met the leaders of the developed nations at the G-7. The world today is talking about India's youth power. Everywhere, there is discussion about India's talent, skill, and potential. The world has begun to truly recognize the capability of India's youth. And at such a time, our effort is that every young person in India can turn their capability into opportunity. With this vision, the Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana has been launched. This employment scheme goes far beyond the usual idea of an employment plan - it is a scheme that empowers the dreams of youth getting their first job. It is a scheme that builds a strong bridge between youth and industries.
Usually, schemes are made either for employees or for industries. But this is one such scheme that takes along both - my capable youth, prosperous youth, towards the future and towards industrial development. When a young person starts their first job, the government stands with them. And therefore, the industrialist also feels that this person has not come alone, the entire government stands behind them. Because of this, the perspective of the industrialist towards such youth changes. And the institutions that create new employment, the government also encourages them. Earlier, some rules and systems here were such that people were a little afraid of growing bigger, thinking that if they grew, they would get entangled in restrictions. So they felt it was better to remain small. And if there was a possibility of growth, they thought instead of expanding, let's start another small one.
With the support of the Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, about 7 million jobs have been created so far. Around 7 million first-time employees have also received the cover of social security. About 2 million youth have already completed six months in their first job. And today, nearly 1 million of these young companions, upon completing six months in their first job, have received incentives under this scheme as beneficiaries. More than 2,000 crore rupees have directly reached their bank accounts. This amount is not just financial assistance - it is respect for their hard work. It is the expression of the nation's faith in their bright future.
I am equally delighted for those institutions that have given opportunities to our young people, recognized the hidden potential within them, and therefore, those who provided these opportunities deserve just as much appreciation. These very institutions have created millions of jobs in recent months. And just now, as Mansukh bhai shared the figures, I hope the media pays attention to these numbers. The people of the country will be filled with joy knowing that such a massive effort is underway. These figures and experiences clearly show that when the government, youth, and industry move forward together, the pace of job creation multiplies many times over. The Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is the identity of this new India - an India where youth get opportunities, industries receive encouragement, and employment creation becomes a national campaign.
India is one of the youngest countries in the world. Therefore, the path to a developed India also moves forward through the dreams, skills, and capabilities of our youth. Our effort is that every young person in the country should progress as far as their ability allows. Whoever has talent should get opportunities. Whoever has ideas should get a platform for innovation. And whoever wants to achieve something on their own should receive full support. I firmly believe that in a youthful country like India, the more sources of opportunity there are, the higher the flight of young dreams will be. With this vision, over the past 12 years, every avenue of employment has been strengthened. From infrastructure to innovation, manufacturing to the digital economy, space to start-ups - new opportunities have been created in every sector. The Make in India campaign, Vocal for Local, the mission.
In the past 12 years, the policies and decisions of the Government of India have continuously created new sectors of employment in the country. Today, investment of more than 12 lakh crore rupees in infrastructure is becoming the foundation for millions of youth. Under the Mudra Yojana, assistance of more than 33 lakh crore rupees has given crores of young people the opportunity to start their own work. More than 10 crore women are connected with Self Help Groups, and over 3 crore have become "Lakhpati Didis." Initiatives like SVANidhi and PM Vishwakarma have provided small entrepreneurs, street vendors, and traditional artisans with new technology, new financial support, and new strength. Among the young people I was speaking with recently, one youth who had graduated from ITI was enthusiastically engaged in making drones. Let me give you an example from the drone sector itself.
In the past decade, the digital economy has also created a whole new world of opportunities. Whether it is the gig economy, platform economy, content creation, or technology services - new areas of employment are rapidly emerging. Opportunities that were once unimaginable have now become sources of income for millions of youth. The same transformation is visible in the startup ecosystem. At one time, there were about 500 startups in the country. Today, there are more than 200,000 registered startups, and you will find startups in every district of the nation. These figures inspire confidence that India's youth, in the coming years, will lead the world in growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Today, the whole world is excited about India's future. Everyone is confident about the power of India's youth. You must have seen the grand "India Innovates" program in France. In fields like AI, Space, Green Energy, Biotechnology, India's startups and global investors are emerging as a new force, coming forward to work together. Today, India is entering into new trade agreements with the world - agreements that are opening new markets for India's industries, agreements that are creating new opportunities for India's professionals. In recent months, several important agreements have also been signed with many European countries. These agreements are becoming a medium for creating millions of new jobs in the country.
In the past 12 years, another major transformation has taken place in India's employment landscape. It is often discussed less, but in the journey of a developed India, its importance is immense. This transformation is about linking employment with security and dignity. Our vision is secure employment. Our vision is social security for every worker. That is why today, through technology, the EPFO system has been modernized. Pension arrangements have been made simpler and more accessible. Millions of new workers have also been connected with health insurance and affordable treatment facilities.
We have also advanced labor reforms with this vision. The purpose of the new labor codes is to provide workers with greater security, more transparency, and more rights. Whether it is giving legal recognition to appointment letters, ensuring equal facilities for fixed-term employees, or expanding the scope of minimum wages - every effort aims to strengthen both the dignity and security of workers.
Our women power today is reaching new heights in every field. Therefore, an environment is being created for women that is safe, respectful, and full of opportunities. Whether it is changing old restrictions related to night shifts, providing the facility of work from home, or ensuring safe workplaces - we are strengthening women's participation even further.
When the goals are big, the achievements are also big. When the vision is global, then success and boundaries naturally expand. That is why training, mentorship, and internships are no longer optional - they are necessities of the 21st century. India's industrial sector must prepare a skilled workforce for itself and also create new opportunities for the future. Because the path to a developed India will not be built by investment alone, it will be built by the power of talent, skill, and innovation. And the greatest test of this entire journey is only one thing, which I keep repeating to my companions in the industrial world - the most powerful remedy to take advantage of all these circumstances is Quality. Quality of education. Quality of skill. Quality of service. Quality of product. Even quality of packaging. If we want to survive in the world, we must meet the highest global.
Dreams grow only where they are realized. The fulfillment of one dream opens the path to a bigger dream. And this is exactly what is happening in India today. I understand the impatience of India's youth, and I want to say one thing to them - your dreams, I repeat, my young companions, your dreams are Modi's resolve! Every step you take towards success is also my inspiration. And yes, even in failure, there is no need to be disheartened. Every failure teaches us something. I always tell those in the sports world - when you step onto the field, no one loses. One wins, and the other learns. No one loses. The true measure of a young mind is to continuously learn from failures, to realize dreams, and after every achievement, to give birth to new dreams. I have faith in the power of India's youth. I trust in India's entrepreneurship. With this trust, once again, I extend my heartfelt.
