Is Modi govt offering Rs 3500 to unemployed? Here's the truth about Pradhan Mantri Berojgar Bhatta Yojana

A WhatsApp message is doing the rounds that claims that the Government of India is giving Rs 3,500 to the unemployed youth.

However, a PIB fact check has found it as fake.

"Have you also received a WhatsApp forward claiming to provide Rs 3500 per month under the 'Pradhan Mantri Berojgar Bhatta Yojana' by the Government of India. No such scheme is being run by the Government of India," PIB said in a post on X.


The tweet also advised readers not to click on any suspicious links.

Last month, a viral social media post claimed that the Government of India planned to raise the retirement age for central government employees from 60 to 62. The post, accompanied by a notice titled "Retirement Age Increase 2024," sparked widespread discussion about its potential benefits. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) debunked the claim as fake, confirming that no such policy change has been announced.


To avoid falling for such misinformation, citizens should rely on official sources like the PIB or government websites for updates. The PIB regularly issues fact-checks and clarifications to counter false claims, ensuring access to accurate information. Reputable news outlets that maintain journalistic integrity are also reliable sources.

The Cabinet Secretariat last month instructed all secretaries to respond to inaccurate reports on social media. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry will create guidelines for handling “fake news/misinformation/motivated criticism/ misleading, distorted and inaccurate facts/opinionated news/miscommunication in print, electronic and social media.” Some news reports won't require a response, and the ministry will provide guidance on those cases.

This action follows a meeting led by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan with all secretaries about improving government communication. The meeting was prompted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive to officials to better communicate government actions to the public.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju told the meeting that 71% of people get their news online, with 49% using social media. He emphasized the challenge of responding to misinformation in this digital environment and the importance of addressing fake news quickly. According to the meeting minutes, Jaju highlighted the need for “timely response to fake news on social media during the golden hour.”