PRIME Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Rozgar Mela” on Saturday to recruit 10 lakh people and underscored his Government’s efforts to create jobs in the last eight years amid the Opposition’s constant criticism of it on the issue of unemployment.

In his address after more than 75,000 people were given appointment letters for various Government jobs in the first tranche, Modi acknowledged the challenges facing the economy the world over with many countries hit by a record inflation and unemployment and said India is making every effort to come out of the situation unscathed.

“It is a fact that the global scenario is not very good. Several large economies are struggling. In many countries, problems such as inflation and unemployment are at their peak,” he said.

No one thinks that the side-effects of the once-in-a-century COVID-19 pandemic will go away in 100 days, the Prime Minister said, adding that the crisis is grave and global, causing adverse effects all around. “Despite this, India is taking new initiatives and some risks to shield our country from being affected by these problems. It is a challenging job, but with your blessings, we have been protected till now,” he said, adding that it was made possible as his Government dealt with the shortcomings that were a hindrance to the economy. The efficiency of the Government departments has increased manifold and India has now leapt from being the 10th biggest economy to occupy the fifth spot in the world in the last eight years, Modi said.