India’s Employment Surge Under Modi Government: EPFO Growth, Women Empowerment, and Economic Progress


Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s economy is changing fast. Pralhad Joshi, a Union Minister, talked about this at a recent job fair in Hubballi. He said that more people are signing up for the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). This means the government is doing a good job of making more jobs in both government and private companies. This piece will look at what the Modi government is doing to make jobs, how EPFO is growing, how more women are getting jobs, and how the economy is getting better overall, which is helping India become a big player in the world.

More EPFO Members: Proof That Jobs Are Being Made

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which is part of the government, is one of the biggest groups in the world that handles things like retirement funds and insurance for workers in India. Pralhad Joshi said that EPFO has gotten way more members since 2014, when it had about 23.73 crore members. This is mainly because the Modi government has been trying hard to make more jobs in different areas. By 2025, a lot more people have signed up for EPFO, which shows that millions of new jobs have been created.

Just in April 2025, EPFO added 19.14 lakh members. That’s about 31.31% more than in March 2025, according to data from the government. Of these, 8.49 lakh were new, which is about 12.49% more than the month before. Most of these new members (57.67%) were young people between 18 and 25. This means that more young people are getting their first jobs, because there are more jobs available and they know more about the benefits of having a job.

The increase in EPFO members isn’t just about numbers; it’s about real people getting steady, good jobs with benefits. The government is working hard to make jobs in government offices, companies owned by the government, banks, and private businesses. An example is the Rozgar Mela, which is a special thing the government does to give out job offers to new workers. This shows that the government wants to help young people in India get jobs.

Rozgar Mela: Helping People Get Jobs

The 16th Rozgar Mela in Hubballi was a big deal because it showed what the government is doing to create jobs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the event online, and people who were chosen for jobs got their job offers there. The Rozgar Mela is happening in states run by the BJP and at the central government level. The point is to match young people with jobs that fit what they’re good at.

Minister Joshi said that Indian Railways, which employs a lot of people, has hired 8,400 people recently. South Western Railway alone hired 1,135 new people. Also, there will be about 3,500 more jobs coming up soon. These numbers show that the government is trying to deal with not enough jobs. Joshi said this in response to people who have been saying there aren’t enough jobs.

The Rozgar Mela isn’t just a place to get a job; it’s a sign of hope for many young people in India. By having these events, the Modi government is making sure that people in cities and rural areas can get jobs, including in states like Uttarakhand, where building projects have made jobs for engineers and construction workers.

More Women in the Workforce

One of the best things that has happened under the Modi government is that a lot more women are getting jobs. Joshi said that the number of women working has gone up from 20% in 2014 to 40% in 2025. This is a huge change and shows that the government cares about equality and helping women get ahead.

The EPFO data also shows this. In April 2025, 2.45 lakh new women signed up for EPFO, which is about 17.63% more than in March 2025. More women are working because the government has policies to make the job market more accepting of women. Things like the Mudra Yojana, which has helped 8 crore people (mostly women), have helped women start businesses and get jobs.

The government isn’t just helping women in cities. Women in rural areas are also getting help from things like the Aatmanirbhar Bharat package, which helps small businesses. These businesses employ a lot of women. By giving money and training, the Modi government is making sure that women all over India can get good jobs, which helps them and the country’s economy.

Economic Growth and Better Infrastructure

India’s economy has done really well under the Modi government. Joshi said that India is already the fourth biggest economy in the world and will soon be the third biggest. This is because the government is making infrastructure better and changing policies to help the economy.

In the last ten years, the government has put electricity in 40,000 km of railway lines, which is a big increase from the 21,413 km that had electricity before 2014. This has made the railway system better and created thousands of jobs. The Amrit Bharat Station scheme, which is fixing up 554 railway stations, and building 1,500 road bridges are other ways the government is making infrastructure better.

The railway area has grown a lot under Modi. Projects worth ₹41,000 crore have been started, which is way more than before. These projects have made jobs for engineers and workers and have made it easier to travel and do business in the country.

The Modi government has also made sure that India can make enough electricity for itself, so businesses and homes have electricity all the time. The system for giving out food has also been made better, so 80 crore people can get free food, which makes sure they don’t go hungry.

Important Government Things That Help Make Jobs

The Modi government is trying to make more jobs in different ways, like making jobs directly and encouraging private companies to grow. Some of the main things they’re doing are:

Make in India: Started in 2014, this wants to make India a big place for making things. It has made jobs in areas like electronics and railways by getting companies from other countries to invest and helping companies in India make things.

Digital India: This has made it easier to get government services and has helped people learn about computers. By putting Wi-Fi in railway stations and helping companies make electronic things, it has made jobs in computers.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):

This helps people learn skills for different jobs and makes sure their skills are recognized, so they can get better jobs in the organized area.

Aatmanirbhar Bharat: This helps small businesses and farming, which are important for making jobs. It has also helped people get into EPFO, so they can get benefits.

Mudra Yojana: By giving loans to small business people, this has made millions of jobs, especially for women. About 43 crore loans have been given out, and most of the people getting the loans are starting a business for the first time.

These things have helped make more EPFO members and good jobs. According to a post on X by @TVMohandasPai, the EPFO report for 2023-24 says that about 1.197 crore new members joined during the year, which means that many new jobs were made. This shows that the government is doing a good job of making the job market better.

Answering Things People Say About Not Enough Jobs

People have said that the Modi government isn’t doing enough to make jobs. But the data shows something different. The increase in EPFO members and things like the Rozgar Mela show that the government is trying to make jobs and deal with not enough jobs. Joshi said that the increase in EPFO members is because of what the government is doing.

The government has also made it faster to hire people, so it only takes two to three months to get a job, instead of a year. This helps people get jobs faster.

The part of Indian Railways in Making Jobs

Indian Railways is one of the biggest employers in the country and has been important for the Modi government’s job plan. The hiring of 8,400 people recently shows that this area makes good jobs. The plans to hire 3,500 more people show that the government wants to make even more jobs in this area.

The growth in the railway area isn’t just about hiring. Building projects like the Amrit Bharat Station scheme have made a lot of jobs while making the railway system better. Putting electricity in railway lines has also made jobs for engineers and workers.

Helping Women Get Ahead

The fact that the number of women working has gone up from 20% in 2014 to 40% in 2025 is a big deal for the Modi government. This is because of policies that help women get educated, learn skills, and get money. The Mudra Yojana has helped a lot of women start their own businesses, making jobs for themselves and others.

The increase in women joining EPFO shows that more women are working. This is good because women have had a hard time getting jobs in the past. By making the job market better for women, the Modi government is making sure that women are important for India’s growth.

What the Economy Has Done and What Will Happen

India becoming the fourth biggest economy shows that the Modi government’s money plans are working. By helping private companies and getting money from other countries, the government has made a good place for growth.

The government’s push to make infrastructure better has made more jobs and made life easier. The Digital India program has made things grow faster by helping people learn about computers and get the internet, especially in rural areas.

India is going to become the third biggest economy soon. The government wants to make sure India can make its own electricity and food and will keep building infrastructure.


Quick Access: India’s Employment Surge Under Modi Government – Top Highlights

SectionTopicKey Insights & Highlights
1EPFO Membership SurgeEPFO saw a dramatic rise from 23.73 crore members in 2014 to 1.197 crore new enrollments in FY 2023–24; 19.14 lakh new additions in April 2025 alone with 57.67% aged 18–25.
2Rozgar Mela HighlightsThe 16th Rozgar Mela, organized in Hubballi with South Western Railway, distributed thousands of appointment letters. PM Modi addressed the event virtually.
3Youth Employment FocusEmphasis on formal jobs for young Indians. New job appointments now finalized in 2–3 months (vs. 1 year earlier). Major employment in PSUs, banks, and Indian Railways.
4Women EmpowermentFemale workforce participation doubled from 20% (2014) to 40% (2025). In April 2025, 2.45 lakh new women joined EPFO, up 17.63% from March.
5Key Government SchemesMajor initiatives driving jobs include Make in India, Digital India, PMKVY, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Mudra Yojana, and Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes.
6EPFO Data InsightsApril 2025: 8.49 lakh new subscribers; 12.49% increase from March. Young workforce dominating enrollments; greater awareness of social security benefits.
7Indian Railways as Job Engine8,400 recruits added recently; 1,135 in South Western Railway. Projects worth ₹41,000 crore launched, electrifying 40,000 km of tracks post-2014.
8Women-Focused SchemesMudra Yojana issued 43 crore loans (70% women beneficiaries). Rural and urban female entrepreneurs supported via financial access and skilling.
9Infrastructure DevelopmentRedevelopment of 554 stations under Amrit Bharat, 1,500+ overbridges/underpasses built. Boost to jobs, engineering, and logistics.
10Digital India & TechnologyWi-Fi at 400 railway stations. Boost in IT, telecom jobs. Rural digital literacy drives enhance job access and digital entrepreneurship.
11Economic Growth MilestoneIndia became the 4th largest global economy and is heading toward 3rd. Strong FDI inflows, policy liberalization, and manufacturing revival.
12Countering Unemployment CriticismJoshi counters opposition claims: EPFO surge and Rozgar Mela are tangible proof of job creation. Recruitment timelines reduced drastically.
13MSME & Rural EmploymentAatmanirbhar Bharat supported lakhs of rural jobs through MSME revival. Subsidies, credit lines, and digital support accelerated rural income.
14Future Economic ProspectsIndia aims to become the 3rd largest economy. Focus remains on self-sufficiency in power, food security, infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
15ConclusionWith rising EPFO numbers, female workforce growth, and strategic employment schemes, India’s economic future looks strong and inclusive under Modi’s leadership.

In Closing: A Good Time for India’s Job Market

The Modi government has done a good job of making more jobs, helping women, and making the economy grow. The increase in EPFO members and the focus on making infrastructure better are changing India’s job market and making the country a big player in the world economy.

As Pralhad Joshi said, the increase in EPFO members is an answer to people who don’t think the government is trying to make jobs. Under Narendra Modi, India is making jobs and building a good economy that helps everyone. The journey to becoming the third biggest economy is going well, and with the focus on jobs and infrastructure, India has a good future.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is driving the surge in EPFO memberships under the Modi government?

The rise in EPFO memberships is driven by extensive job creation in government departments, public sector undertakings, railways, and private enterprises. In April 2025 alone, 19.14 lakh members were added, with the majority in the 18–25 age group, indicating formal employment for first-time workers and improved awareness of social security benefits.

How does the Rozgar Mela support employment generation in India?

The Rozgar Mela is a key initiative under the Modi government to provide direct employment. The 16th Rozgar Mela held in Hubballi saw over 1,135 candidates join South Western Railway. These job fairs are now held regularly and across BJP-ruled states, helping fast-track job appointments and deliver opportunities across sectors.

What role is Indian Railways playing in employment growth?

Indian Railways is playing a crucial role in job creation by recruiting thousands of candidates and expanding infrastructure. Over 8,400 candidates were recently hired, and 3,500 more posts are to be filled. Projects like the electrification of 40,000 km of railway lines and redevelopment of stations have also generated thousands of jobs for engineers, technicians, and support staff.

How has women’s employment improved under Modi’s leadership?

Women’s participation in the workforce has increased from 20% in 2014 to 40% in 2025. In April 2025 alone, 2.45 lakh new female subscribers joined EPFO. Government schemes such as Mudra Yojana, PMKVY, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have provided entrepreneurship and skill training opportunities to millions of women across urban and rural India.

Which government schemes are directly supporting job creation?

Several key government initiatives have contributed to employment growth:

  • Make in India: Boosts manufacturing jobs in electronics, defense, and railways.
  • Digital India: Expands IT and telecom employment through digital infrastructure.
  • PMKVY: Provides certified skills for higher employability.
  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Supports MSMEs and formal job conversion via EPFO.
  • Mudra Yojana: Disbursed over 43 crore loans, mostly to first-time entrepreneurs.
  • Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes: Encourages first-time hires in manufacturing with a ₹1.07 lakh crore outlay.

How has the Modi government addressed unemployment criticisms?

Despite criticism from the opposition, data shows the government has actively created jobs. In FY 2023–24, EPFO enrolled 1.197 crore new members, and Rozgar Melas have placed thousands into formal jobs. The recruitment process has been streamlined, reducing hiring times from one year to just 2–3 months.

What impact has infrastructure development had on jobs?

Infrastructure development has created a wide range of employment opportunities across sectors. Key projects include electrification of railway lines, redevelopment of 554 railway stations, and construction of 1,500 overbridges and underpasses. These initiatives have employed engineers, skilled laborers, and construction workers across the country.

How is Digital India contributing to employment?

Digital India has revolutionized governance and created jobs in technology, telecom, and services. Over 400 railway stations have been equipped with Wi-Fi, increasing connectivity and service access. This program has also spurred demand for digital skills and IT-enabled services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

What sectors are seeing the most job growth in India today?

The most active job-generating sectors include:

  • Railways and infrastructure
  • Manufacturing and defense
  • Information technology and digital services
  • MSMEs and small enterprises
  • Public service and rural development

Is India really becoming the world’s third-largest economy?

Yes. As of 2025, India has already become the fourth-largest global economy and is projected to reach the third spot soon. Strong foreign investment, economic liberalization, self-sufficiency in power generation, and job creation across sectors are contributing to rapid GDP growth.

What is the significance of EPFO in job formalization?

EPFO enrollment is a key indicator of formal job growth. The rise in subscribers, particularly from young workers and women, shows that India’s workforce is increasingly gaining access to financial and social security benefits such as pension, insurance, and organized-sector protections.

How are rural areas and small towns benefiting from government job schemes?

Rural regions are gaining employment through infrastructure development, MSME growth, and self-employment schemes like Mudra Yojana. Programs such as Rozgar Mela are conducted in tier-2 and tier-3 towns, while schemes like Aatmanirbhar Bharat support rural entrepreneurs and small manufacturers.


Read More: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/more-new-members-in-epfo-now-says-joshi/article69804759.ece

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