India Independence Day: PM Modi Announces Next-Gen GST Reforms, ₹1-Lakh-Crore Youth Jobs Scheme & 'Made-in-India' Chip Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his 12th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort to announce next-generation GST reforms. He also unveiled a major youth employment scheme and hailed India’s accelerated semiconductor push, framing the speech around the themes of self-reliance, technology and national security.

PM Modi in his address told the nation that his government will roll out “next-generation” GST reforms by Diwali intended to lower tax burdens on everyday goods, calling the package a Diwali gift for ordinary consumers.

The reforms are being framed as part of a broader push to simplify compliance and spur growth.

PM-Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana

PM Modi announced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, a ₹1 lakh crore programme to incentivise private-sector hiring of first-time employees.

Under the scheme, individuals securing their first job in the private sector will receive a one-time support payment of ₹15,000, part of a drive the government says will generate millions of jobs between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2027. The scheme is intended as a direct push to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship.

‘Made-in-India’ Chip

Turning to high technology, PM Modi said India was moving semiconductor manufacturing forward in “mission mode,” and that a Made-in-India chip would hit the market soon.

The Union Cabinet last week approved proposals for semiconductor factories, signalling fresh momentum in the India Semiconductor Mission. Officials have already given the green light to multiple manufacturing units as part of the broader push to reduce import dependence in critical technology supply chains.

Energy and Security

The prime minister repeatedly returned to the theme of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), praising the armed forces for Operation Sindoor and stressing the need to secure critical minerals, expand clean-energy capacity and scale up nuclear power over the coming decades.

PM Modi framed these moves as essential to safeguard national interests and accelerate a technology-driven development trajectory.

He further stated that the government will set up a task force for the next generation of reforms, ease compliance burdens and slash unnecessary rules enacted over previous decades. He also emphasised the role of entrepreneurship outside major cities and reiterated support for programmes such as Mudra loans to foster small business growth.