The Ministry of Labour and Employment organised a programme under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) at the LG Hall, CIHSR Hospital Campus, Chumoukedima, on June 19, 2026 as part of a nationwide event aimed at promoting formal employment, supporting first-time workers and encouraging employment generation.
The regional programme was graced by Commissioner & Secretary, Labour & Employment and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Robert Longchari NCS, as the special guest. A total of 277 participants, including 65 beneficiaries, 15 employers, representatives of industry associations, public representatives, senior State Government officials and officers and staff of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Longchari thanked the organisers for conducting the programme and encouraged citizens, particularly the youth, to make full use of the various services and opportunities being provided by the Government. He noted that government employment has reached a saturation point and urged educated youth to broaden their career aspirations by exploring opportunities in the private sector, entrepreneurship and other emerging fields.
Stressing the need to adapt to changing times, he said every sector today requires skilled professionals and specialists and called upon young people to contribute towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat through productive engagement in the workforce.
He said that employment generation and workforce expansion remain key priorities of the Government and emphasised the importance of ensuring social security for workers. He stated that the PM-VBRY addresses both objectives by promoting formal employment while extending social security benefits to citizens.
Describing the scheme as a reflection of the Prime Minister's vision of a self-reliant India, he said PM-VBRY seeks to make formal employment more organised and accessible. He highlighted that workers entering the formal sector become eligible for benefits such as provident fund coverage, pension and insurance protection, which provide long-term financial security.
Appealing to the youth to avail the opportunities offered under the scheme, he said formal employment serves as an important stepping stone towards stable livelihoods and future growth. He also reiterated the commitment of the Government of Nagaland to promoting decent work and employment opportunities across the State.
He further acknowledged the crucial role played by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation in extending social security coverage and ensuring that more workers are brought under the ambit of formal employment.
During the regional programme, nine employment letters were distributed by employers to newly recruited workers.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Regional PF Commissioner S. Das. Short speeches were also delivered by Labour Commissioner, Avile Vitso, Dr. Bendangtoshi Jamir, Medical Superintendent, CIHSR, on behalf of employers, and John Magh Rengma, representing employees.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Administrative Officer K. Bhattacharjee.
The regional programme was followed by the live streaming of the national event from Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi disbursed incentives amounting to ₹2,400 crore to more than 15 lakh beneficiaries across the country. The event formed part of a nationwide outreach initiative conducted simultaneously at around 200 locations across India.
PM-VBRY is a flagship Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme of the Government of India aimed at promoting formal employment, supporting first-time entrants into the organised workforce and incentivising employers to generate additional jobs. Under the scheme, eligible first-time employees receive financial assistance equivalent to one month's wage, up to ₹15,000, while employers are provided incentives for up to two years for creating additional employment. The manufacturing sector is eligible for extended support for a further two years, thereby encouraging sustained job creation in labour-intensive industries.
(Samuel IA Chumoukedima)
