Modi Unveils ₹15,000 Aid for First-Time Private Sector Employees, Promises GST Reforms by Diwali

In his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, offering ₹15,000 in aid to youth entering the private sector workforce for the first time. The scheme, expected to benefit over 3.5 crore young people, will also provide incentives to companies that generate new jobs.

“This scheme will create nearly 3.5 crore new employment opportunities,” Modi said, adding that it forms part of a ₹1 lakh crore package for youth employment.

The Prime Minister also lauded the rapid rise of “lakhpati didis,” saying two crore women had achieved this milestone, and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting farmers and fishermen from harmful policies.

Modi further announced that the government will roll out the next generation of GST reforms by Diwali, calling it a “bahut bada tohfa” (big gift) for Indians. The reforms will aim to rationalise tax slabs, cut GST rates on essential items, and boost household consumption while improving compliance and transparency.