NEW DELHI: Since 2019, more than 42,000 job fairs have been organized across India, and over 18.4 lakh job seekers have been shortlisted, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday (February 13, 2025).

He added that 14 ROZGAR MELAs (employment fairs) have been held at the central level in 45 to 50 cities across different states and Union Territories. Several lakh appointment letters have been given to selected candidates by various ministries and departments during these events.

Rozgar Melas are helping to fill job vacancies in different government ministries and departments quickly. Each ministry and department keeps track of how many appointment letters are issued for different posts, the minister said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Apart from job fairs, the Ministry of Labour and Employment runs the National Career Service (NCS) to help job seekers. This digital platform (www.ncs.gov.in) offers job search services, career counseling, skill development information, internship opportunities, and more. Both online and offline job fairs are organized under NCS, where private companies can also hire employees.

Since 2019-20, a total of 42,234 job fairs have been conducted, and over 18.4 lakh job seekers have been shortlisted, Mr. Singh confirmed.

In another statement, he said that creating jobs and improving employability is the government's top priority. The government has taken various steps to provide more job opportunities for the youth.

Large-scale investments in infrastructure have also boosted employment in related sectors, he noted. These sectors are  roads, railways, airports, ports, and waterways etc.

In the Union Budget 2025, the government announced a Rs.2-lakh-Cr package for five employment and skill development schemes, aiming to help 4.1-Cr youth over five years.

The Union Budget 2025-26 also focuses on creating jobs in different sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and fisheries. It includes support for entrepreneurship and skill training for young people.

Addressing a question on vacant government posts, the Minister said that filling vacancies is an ongoing process. Through Rozgar Melas, vacant posts are being filled quickly across ministries, central public sector undertakings (CPSUs), and other government institutions. This effort is expected to further boost employment opportunities in the country, he added.