Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said there will be guaranteed minimum wages for all working youths in Uttar Pradesh, making it the first state with such an initiative in the country.
Adityanath said companies must pay their employees fairly, while the state government will bear any additional burden, ending any scope of worker exploitation.
Inaugurating the three-day "Rozgar Mahakumbh 2025" in Lucknow, the chief minister said labour laws are being modernised to protect workers' rights while ensuring industries operate smoothly.
The initiative will guarantee dignified employment, job security, and complete protection of workers' rights, he said.
Adityanath assured that no outsourcing company will be allowed to exploit workers. "Every worker will receive their full salary, while the government itself will bear any additional costs," he said.
Calling the Rozgar Mahakumbh a bridge between youth and industry, he said, "The event is not just about providing jobs but also about aligning training and courses with new technological demands." He said, "When workers and food providers are content, the state and the nation prosper. Once this is ensured, no power in the world can stop the vision of Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Uttar Pradesh." Adityanath said that having the largest young population in the country is Uttar Pradesh's greatest strength and fortune.
"Today, UP's talent is in high demand both across India and globally, and the state, which once suffered the pain of mass migration for jobs, is now creating employment within its borders," he said.
He recalled that entire villages once migrated for work, but today, the same Uttar Pradesh is offering opportunities within the state itself, a transformation made possible by the well-planned efforts of the past eight years.
"This event reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Mission Rojgar and Viksit Bharat, ensuring that every youth gets work according to their skills and qualifications. Wherever given opportunities, UP's youth have consistently proven their talent and capabilities," Adityanath said.
Highlighting the success of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, the CM said, "It has given traditional industries a new global identity." He informed that 96 lakh MSME units are active in the state, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, when more than 40 lakh migrant workers returned, 90 per cent were absorbed into these MSMEs, many of whom continue to be associated with them today.
He also underlined that the state government has extended an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to registered MSME entrepreneurs. With each unit employing anywhere between 2-10 youths, lakhs of people are securing dignified livelihoods across Uttar Pradesh.
He said these initiatives are turning Prime Minister Modi's dream of 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' into reality.
Adityanath remarked further that the "Vishwakarma Shram Samman" and "PM Vishwakarma" schemes have been launched to honor and empower traditional artisans and craftsmen.
Skilled workers such as carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, potters, cobblers, and barbers are being provided free toolkits, affordable loans, and specialised training. These initiatives have enabled lakhs of people to secure both employment and dignity.
He further said, "Under the 'CM Yuva Udyami Scheme', launched on 24 January 2025, interest-free loans without collateral are being provided to youth between 21 and 40 years of age." He emphasised that the facility is not determined by caste, creed, religion, or identity, but solely by an individual's interest and ambition. So far, more than 70,000 youth have successfully established their own enterprises through this scheme.
The CM highlighted that in the last eight years, over 8.5 lakh youth have been provided government jobs with complete transparency.
"A significant number of appointments were made in the police, education, health, agriculture, PWD, and universities. Uttar Pradesh today is recognised as the leading state in the country for providing the highest number of government jobs in such a short period," he said.
The CM underlined that the state's zero-tolerance policy towards crime and criminals has made Uttar Pradesh the preferred destination for investors.
"In the past eight years, more than 33 sectoral policies have been introduced, while a transparent system has been created through the Invest UP Portal, Nivesh Mitra, and Single Window Platform. As a result, the state has witnessed investments exceeding Rs 15 lakh crore, generating employment for 60 lakh youth," he said.
He added that through the Uttar Pradesh Startup Mission and Skill Development Mission, youngsters are being trained in emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, drone technology, robotics, and the Internet of Things.
With the support of Tata Technologies, new labs and courses have been launched in ITIs and polytechnics.
The government is also focusing on language training for youth going abroad, ensuring they face no barriers in skill application or communication overseas.
He remarked that technology constantly evolves, and it is essential to update skills in line with the changing needs of society.
