Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed newly appointed candidates through a video message

Chandigarh, January 24, 2026: Promoting the resolve of a developed India with the power of youth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Rozgar Melas at 45 different locations across the country through a video message, during which more than 61,000 appointment letters were distributed to newly recruited youth. As part of this initiative, the Transport Battalion, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, Behlana Camp, Chandigarh, organised the 18th edition of the Rozgar Mela on Saturday.

This initiative has established another significant milestone in the Government of India’s mission-driven approach towards transparent, timely and inclusive recruitment, aimed at strengthening public institutions and empowering youth.

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri formally handed over appointment letters to the newly recruited candidates at the Rozgar Mela, organised at Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, Behlana Camp, Chandigarh.

During the ceremony in Chandigarh, a total of 107 candidates received appointment letters for various ministries and departments. These included 10 in ITBP, 36 in CRPF, 30 in CISF, 8 in Assam Rifles, 2 in Bank of Baroda, 3 in Union Bank, and 18 in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, reflecting the wide range of public service opportunities being generated through the Rozgar Mela.

Addressing the gathering, Hardeep Singh Puri congratulated the newly appointed candidates and their families, describing the occasion as a proud milestone reflecting years of dedication, discipline and perseverance. He emphasised that public service is a responsibility where government policies are translated into tangible outcomes for citizens. The Union Minister said these appointments will play a vital role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Puri stated that since the launch of the Rozgar Mela, more than 11 lakh appointment letters have been issued nationwide, reinforcing the government’s commitment to mission-mode recruitment. He stressed that the appointments made in Chandigarh are not merely a formality, but part of an ongoing effort to strengthen India’s administrative and service delivery mechanisms.

Puri highlighted India’s strong development vision, advancement in global standing, and expansion in manufacturing, exports, logistics, renewable energy and digital infrastructure. Emphasising the inclusive nature of growth, he said, “We are not just pursuing development, but development with social inclusion.”

The Union Minister further underlined service as the cornerstone of public administration, reminding recruits that government authority is a duty towards citizens. He urged them to build their professional lives on the pillars of efficiency, integrity and courtesy, which form the foundation of effective and trustworthy governance.

Encouraging candidates joining uniformed forces, banking institutions and technology-driven departments, Shri Puri expressed hope that their service would play a crucial role in ensuring national security, economic growth and citizen-centric digital governance.

During the programme, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, virtually addressed the Rozgar Mela being held simultaneously at 45 locations across the country. He said that nearly 49,200 of the total appointment letters distributed during this edition pertain to the Ministry of Home Affairs and its allied forces.

Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the significant increase in the recruitment of women constables, attributing it to progressive reforms and enabling policies introduced over the past 11 years. Emphasising the growing role of women in national security, he noted that women BSF personnel are now deployed on the zero line along international borders, and that during the Republic Day celebrations, a woman Assistant Commandant will lead the all-male CRPF contingent on Kartavya Path — symbolising gender inclusivity in the armed forces.

He further said that recruitment has seen a substantial rise under the NDA government, noting that during the UPA tenure, 7.22 lakh appointments were made through major recruiting agencies such as UPSC, SSC and Railway Recruitment Boards, whereas under the NDA government this figure has crossed 10.96 lakh.

Earlier, welcoming the chief guest and newly appointed candidates, Anand B. Ullagaddi, Commandant, Transport Battalion, ITBP, highlighted mission-mode recruitment as a flagship initiative of the Government of India focused on institutional renewal, youth empowerment and efficient public service delivery. He stressed that the Rozgar Mela embodies the government’s commitment to merit-based and transparent recruitment processes.

At the Rozgar Mela at Transport Battalion ITBP, Chandigarh, Dr. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General (SCL), Rajesh Kumar (EPS), Inspector General, Vijay Deswal, Deputy Inspector General, Western Command Headquarters, and Shri Anand B. Ullagaddi, Commandant, Transport Battalion, were also present.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Badrinath Kulkarni, Second-in-Command, Transport Battalion, ITBP, Behlana Camp, Chandigarh, who expressed gratitude to the Ministers, senior officials and all stakeholders for their cooperation and support in making the event a success.