Historic Job Boom Under Modi Govt: 17 Crore Jobs Created in 10 Years, Says Centre

Over the past decade, debates around job creation in India have been relentless. From drawing rooms to Parliament, the question has been the same: Where are the jobs? On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya attempted to answer that question with what the government calls a "historic record."

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Minister for Labour & Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports revealed that over 17 crore jobs have been generated during the 10-year tenure of the Modi government — a staggering jump from the 3 crore jobs created during the previous decade under the UPA regime.

What’s more? These figures aren’t just internal claims. Mandaviya pointed to none other than the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the source, asserting that the data showcases the outcomes of youth-focused reforms and employment-centric policies rolled out since 2014.

“We are not saying it; the Reserve Bank has released these estimates,” Mandaviya said.
“Over 17 crore youth gained employment under Modi’s leadership.”

Startups Create Jobs

To highlight the transformation, Mandaviya laid out a sector-wise comparison of employment expansion during the UPA vs. Modi eras. The numbers are stark:

From negative growth in the agriculture sector under the UPA to a positive 19% boost under the Modi government, the shift suggests a broader structural evolution in India’s economy. Manufacturing, often seen as the engine of job creation in developing economies, also saw a more than two-fold improvement. The services sector — India’s fastest-growing domain — further expanded, supporting jobs across IT, fintech, logistics, and consumer services.

“Every country that sees growth in its manufacturing and agriculture sectors inevitably sees job creation. Under Modi ji, India has witnessed precisely that,” Mandaviya asserted.

Over 11 Lakh Jobs Created in Just 16 Months

While the 10-year figure is massive, the momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In just the last 16 months, the Centre claims to have facilitated employment for more than 11 lakh youth. These jobs come through direct government hiring, policy-driven incentives for private sector employment, and skilling-linked placements.

This growth is especially crucial for India’s startup ecosystem, which thrives on a young and trained workforce. The government’s focus on ease of doing business and innovation in the formal sector may have played a silent but strong supporting role in pushing these numbers up.

The Big Bet: 4 Crore Jobs More Under Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana

The Modi government is not stopping at 17 crore. Looking ahead, the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana is eyeing to create an additional 4 crore jobs by 2029. Backed by a robust financial allocation of ₹2 lakh crore, this mission is expected to accelerate job creation through industrial expansion, MSME development, startup incubation, and digital skilling.

“This scheme is already delivering positive outcomes, and it will play a crucial role in shaping India’s future workforce,” Mandaviya said.

India’s Unemployment Rate: Now Among the Lowest Globally?

Perhaps the most surprising claim came when the Minister stated that India’s unemployment rate now stands at 3.2% — putting it on par with, or even below, several developed nations.

If this data holds across independent datasets, it would mark a significant shift in India’s job landscape, which has often been criticized for underemployment and informal workforces.

“This has been made possible through the strategic efforts of the Modi government to provide job opportunities in both government and private sectors,” Mandaviya emphasized.

Quick Snapshot: India’s Employment Milestones Under Modi Govt

• Jobs created under UPA (2004–2014): 3 crore
  Jobs created under Modi Govt (2014–2024): 17+ crore
  Jobs planned under Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (2024–2029): 4 crore
  Unemployment rate: 3.2%

Why This Matters to India’s Startup Ecosystem

For founders, investors, and innovation-led enterprises, job growth isn't just a metric — it's a signal of consumer spending power, skilled labor availability, and economic optimism. If the government’s claims reflect broader economic realities, it could mean:

• More employable youth for startups

• Greater domestic consumption for D2C brands

• Stronger middle-class base for fintech, edtech, and mobility players

• Increased investor confidence

Moreover, initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana can open fresh funding and incentive routes for startups working in HR-tech, skilling, employment marketplaces, gig economy, and MSME upskilling.

The numbers shared by the government paint a bullish picture of India’s employment trajectory under the Modi administration. But the real test lies ahead — in ensuring these jobs are sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.

As India gears up for its ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision by 2047, the coming years will determine whether this job creation wave can ride in tandem with entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and economic resilience — the trifecta India needs to truly emerge as a global economic powerhouse.