Announced by: PM Narendra Modi during his 12th Independence Day address (15 August 2025, Red Fort)
Outlay: Nearly ₹1 lakh crore
Target: 3.5 crore jobs in two years
Aim: Bridge the journey from Swatantra Bharat to Samriddha Bharat by supporting massive employment generation.
Key Features of the Scheme
Part A – Support to First-Time Employees
- Eligibility: First-time employees registered with EPFO, with salary up to ₹1 lakh.
- Benefit: One month’s EPF wage, up to ₹15,000, given in two instalments.
- 1st instalment: After 6 months of service.
- 2nd instalment: After 12 months of service + completion of a financial literacy programme.
- Savings Incentive: A portion of the benefit will be locked in a savings instrument/deposit account.
Part B – Incentives for Employers
- Eligibility: Employers hiring new employees with salaries up to ₹1 lakh.
- Benefit: Up to ₹3,000 per month per employee for 2 years.
- Special Focus: Manufacturing sector, where incentives will extend to the 3rd and 4th years.
Incentive Payment Mechanism
- Employees (Part A): Payment via DBT using Aadhaar Bridge Payment System (ABPS).
- Employers (Part B): Direct credit into PAN-linked accounts.
