Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the PMVBRY incentive disbursement programme in Imphal, highlighting employment generation and formal workforce expansion.
Imphal, June 19: Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Friday attended the live streaming of the Prime Minister’s Incentive Disbursement Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) at the NIELIT Hall, Akampat, where he highlighted the importance of quality employment generation and social security coverage for the country’s workforce.
The Governor joined beneficiaries, employers and government officials in witnessing the live broadcast of the national event held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed incentives worth ?2,400 crore to beneficiaries under the employment-linked scheme.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, senior officials, employers and employees were also present at the programme organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Special State Office, Imphal.
The event formed part of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting formal employment, encouraging workforce participation and expanding social security benefits. During the programme, beneficiaries shared their experiences and explained how the scheme had contributed to their employment and financial security. Appointment letters were also distributed to newly recruited employees by selected employers following the live telecast.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla described the PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana as a significant initiative of the Central Government designed to strengthen employment opportunities and broaden the formal workforce across the country.
He said the scheme places special emphasis on first-time employees by providing financial incentives, social security benefits and financial literacy support, enabling young people to enter the formal economy with greater confidence.
“The programme is not only about financial assistance but also about empowering young people and strengthening the nation’s workforce,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the State’s performance under the scheme, Bhalla noted that Manipur had responded positively to the initiative. He stated that a substantial number of establishments in the State had registered under the programme, bringing many young workers within the ambit of formal employment and social security coverage.
According to the Governor, the incentive disbursement should be viewed as an investment in human capital and the future of the State’s youth. He stressed that employment generation remains a key component of Manipur’s long-term development goals and that schemes such as PMVBRY provide opportunities for both workers and employers.
“For a State blessed with a talented and energetic youth population, employment generation remains central to development aspirations,” he said, adding that the scheme encourages businesses to expand while creating sustainable job opportunities.
Bhalla also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, EPFO officials, employers and other stakeholders involved in implementing the programme. He congratulated the beneficiaries and expressed confidence that the scheme would continue to contribute to employment growth and economic development.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, speaking at the programme, linked the initiative to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said several flagship programmes launched by the Central Government are aimed at creating economic opportunities and accelerating development across the country. Referring to the implementation of PMVBRY in Manipur, the Chief Minister noted that the State had recorded approximately 20,000 registrations under the scheme.
Drawing a comparison with neighbouring Tripura, he said that despite having a similar population size, Manipur had surpassed Tripura’s 17,000 registrations, reflecting encouraging participation in the programme.
The Chief Minister urged government departments and officials to continue working with greater commitment and coordination to further improve the State’s performance in implementing development and employment-related schemes.
Assuring officials of his support, he stressed the need for efficient execution of welfare and development programmes to maximise benefits for the people.
Khemchand Singh also spoke about the significance of the Act East Policy and its potential impact on Manipur’s economic future.
He said the former Look East Policy had evolved into the Act East Policy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioning Manipur as a strategic gateway connecting India with Southeast Asia.
According to the Chief Minister, the State stands to gain considerably from enhanced regional connectivity and infrastructure development under the policy framework.
He highlighted ongoing railway infrastructure development in the State and expressed optimism that train services would begin within the next two years, improving connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade, commerce and employment.
The Chief Minister said Manipur has an important role to play in the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and stressed that the State’s progress must be built on a foundation of peace and stability.
Referring to the challenges faced by Manipur in recent years, he said meaningful and sustainable development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.
Using the occasion to make an appeal to the public, Khemchand Singh called upon all communities in the State to support dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
He urged people from all sections of society to work towards restoring peace and harmony so that Manipur can fully participate in the country’s development journey.
The programme concluded with interactions among beneficiaries, employers and officials, reflecting the scheme’s broader objective of linking employment generation with economic growth and social security.
Officials said the PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana is expected to continue supporting workforce expansion and formal employment across the country while providing financial assistance and institutional support to both employees and employers.
