Dozens of young people from across Maharashtra received government appointment letters at the 19th Rozgar Mela, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and describing the opportunity as a turning point in their lives. The event, held with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also present, saw appointees joining departments ranging from Indian Railways and Airports Authority of India (AAI) to AIIMS Nagpur and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

Appointees Speak: 'Hope Amid Uncertainty'

Shweta Kamble, who received an appointment at Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), said the letter arrived at a critical juncture. 'My family became emotional after I received the appointment letter. This means a lot to us,' she said, adding that such opportunities would help India realise its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Sanghamitra More, appointed in the Mechanical Department of the Ministry of Railways, credited her family's support. 'It is an extremely proud moment for us,' she said. Jasmine Bhano echoed the sentiment, noting that the job would allow her to financially support her father and elder brother.

Railways and AAI Appointments Draw Attention

Akash Dongre, selected as an assistant loco-pilot in the Central Railway's Nagpur Division, thanked both PM Modi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. 'This is the best platform for the youth,' he said. Harsha Mahale, also appointed as an assistant loco-pilot under the Ministry of Railways, made the switch from the private sector, citing job insecurity. 'People are being laid off in private companies,' she said, explaining her decision to pursue a government role.

Ashish Srivastav, appointed as a junior executive at AAI, outlined the dual pathways through which candidates receive letters — competitive examinations and direct applications screened through the Rozgar Mela process. He highlighted that the initiative has opened doors across departments including the Indian Postal Service, AAI, and public sector banks.

AIIMS Nagpur Appointee Pledges Dedication

Mahima, appointed as a senior nursing officer at AIIMS, Nagpur, described the appointment as a 'great opportunity' after a period of personal difficulty. 'I promise to work hard and fulfil the responsibilities attached to my role,' she said. She added that receiving the letter from Nitin Gadkari in the presence of PM Modi was a significant motivator.

What the Rozgar Mela Represents

The Rozgar Mela initiative, now in its 19th edition, is a recurring government programme aimed at fast-tracking central government appointments. Appointees receive letters directly at public events, cutting down on delays between selection and onboarding. The programme spans multiple central departments and public sector undertakings. Notably, several appointees at this edition came from backgrounds where private-sector employment had become precarious, reflecting broader anxieties in the job market. The initiative is expected to continue with further editions as the Centre pushes its employment outreach ahead of key political cycles.