PM-VBRY: Over 72 Lakh First-Time Workers Enter India’s Formal Workforce

India’s employment landscape has received a significant boost as the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) completed its first year. More than 72 lakh first-time employees have entered the formal workforce through the scheme since its launch in August 2025.

What Is PM-VBRY?

PM-VBRY is an employment-linked incentive scheme designed to encourage formal job creation, expand social-security coverage and support young people entering their first organised-sector jobs. It operates through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The scheme has a total outlay of ₹99,446 crore and aims to facilitate more than 3.5 crore jobs over two years, including 1.92 crore first-time workers. The eligible employment period runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

How Does It Help?

First-time employees can receive an incentive of up to ₹15,000, linked to one month’s EPF wage. Employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month can qualify, subject to the scheme's conditions. Employers can receive up to ₹3,000 per month per additional employee for two years, with extended support for manufacturing.

Why It Matters?

The scheme is significant because it is not only about creating jobs—it aims to move workers into the formal economy, giving them greater access to provident-fund savings and social-security benefits.

With over 72 lakh first-time workers already brought into formal employment, PM-VBRY has emerged as an important part of India's employment and workforce-formalisation strategy.