New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented over 61,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth across various government sectors during the 18th Rozgar Mela on Saturday.

The selected candidates, hailing from diverse regions of India, will be joining numerous Central ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Financial Services, and the Department of Higher Education, among others.

During this event, which was conducted virtually at 45 locations nationwide, PM Modi remarked, "The start of 2026 heralds a season of new joys. Additionally, with the recent celebration of Vasant Panchami, a fresh 'Vasant' is also dawning in your lives."

He referred to the appointment letters as "an invitation letter for nation-building" and a "sankalp patra" to guide the pathway toward a Viksit Bharat.

Offering his congratulations, he emphasized that these young individuals will significantly contribute to the advancement of government entities, bolstering the education and technology sectors while enhancing service delivery and energy security.

"Our government's priority has always been connecting youth with skills and providing them with employment and self-employment opportunities. This is the reason we initiated the Rozgar Mela in mission mode. Over the years, the Rozgar Mela has evolved into an institution that has facilitated the distribution of appointment letters to lakhs of youth across various government departments," the Prime Minister stated.

He further pointed out that India stands as one of the youngest nations globally, with the Central government consistently working to generate new opportunities for the youth, both domestically and internationally. "The Indian government is actively engaging in trade and mobility agreements with several countries to broaden these opportunities," he remarked.

PM Modi highlighted that in recent years, India has made unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure, creating massive employment opportunities across all sectors tied to construction. He also mentioned the rapid growth of India's startup ecosystem.

"Similarly, initiatives under Digital India have fostered a completely new economy. India is emerging as a global hub in fields like animation and digital media. Our creator economy is rapidly expanding, providing youth with fresh opportunities every day," he added.

Emphasizing India’s international reputation, the Prime Minister stated, "The growing trust the world has in India is generating countless new prospects for our youth. India is the only major economy to have doubled its GDP in just a decade. Over a hundred countries are investing in India through FDI. Compared to the decade prior to 2014, FDI in India has more than doubled. More foreign investment directly translates to numerous job opportunities for India's youth."

Notably, he mentioned that 8,000 women received their appointment letters on Saturday, highlighting that in the past 11 years, women’s participation in the workforce has nearly doubled, with self-employment rates for women increasing by almost 15 percent. He noted that government schemes like MUDRA Yojana and Startup India have significantly benefited women.

"Today, a considerable number of women are directors and founders. In our cooperative sector and self-help groups in villages, many women are taking on leadership roles," he added.

PM Modi stated that the nation is advancing on a "reform express", focused on simplifying both life and business.

"Next-generation GST reforms have benefitted everyone. This is advantageous for our young entrepreneurs and MSMEs. Recently, we have enacted historic labour reforms that will benefit workers, employees, and businesses alike. The new labour codes have enhanced the scope of social security for workers and employees," he added.

Addressing the new appointees, the Prime Minister urged, "Reflect on the past five to seven years regarding your interactions with the government. Consider whether you faced difficulties or delays. Remember the challenges that troubled you or your friends. Now, commit to ensuring that others do not experience the same issues during your tenure. As government employees, you must implement small reforms at your level."

"You should adopt this mindset to maximize benefits for the populace. The ease of living and doing business is not just reliant on policies but also on the intentions of government officials at the grassroots level," he stated.

He further urged that, as the country is changing swiftly, the newly appointed individuals must continuously upgrade their skills, utilizing platforms like iGOT Karmayogi.

"Whether it's the Prime Minister or the smallest government functionary, we all serve the people. We share a common mantra: 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' -- the citizen is like God. We must work with this spirit. As a new chapter unfolds in your lives, remember that through your efforts, India will progress towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047," PM Modi concluded.

In line with the Prime Minister's commitment to prioritize employment generation, the Rozgar Mela initiative is crucial for translating this vision into reality. Since its inception, over 11 lakh recruitment letters have been distributed through Rozgar Melas organized throughout the nation.

The newly appointed individuals will also have the chance to train through 'Karmayogi Prarambh', an online module on the iGOT Karmayogi portal, which offers over 3,600 e-learning courses for learning accessible from any device. This will provide essential foundational training for the new appointees.

Recognizing the vital role of youth in national development, the Prime Minister initiated a series of Rozgar Melas on October 22, 2022. These events are anticipated to catalyze further job creation and provide meaningful opportunities for youth empowerment and involvement in nation-building, as stated in an official communiqué.