Rural Development Ministry denies decline in MGNREGS Employment

In response to recent reports claiming a 16 per cent dip in employment generation in the first half of the current year under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) clarified that the program is well-funded to meet the fluctuating demand for rural labour.

- TBG NETWORK

The Ministry highlighted that, since the scheme's inception, MGNREGS has generated a cumulative 2,923 crore person-days from FY 2014-15 to FY 2024-25, a substantial increase compared to the 1,660 crore person-days created between FY 2006-07 and FY 2013-14.

Citing the program's demand-driven nature, the ministry pointed out that specific employment targets are not pre-set, as states and union territories can request additional labour budgets as needed.

While recent media reports stated a 16 per cent drop in rural employment under MGNREGS for the first half of the current fiscal year, the Ministry attributed this fluctuation to the scheme's adaptability to demand, especially as FY 2024-25 is still ongoing.

In its statement, the Ministry emphasized the role of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Aadhaar-based payments in enhancing transparency.