The Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the release of Rs 17,744.19 crore to states and union territories for the wage component of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA for the financial year 2026–27. Chouhan emphasized the importance of timely utilization of these funds to ensure prompt wage payments.
States were advised to maintain a seamless implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA at the grassroots level. Chouhan stressed the need for timely work availability and wage payments as the top priority. He also urged states to ensure sufficient work opportunities at the Gram Panchayat level to eliminate delays in employment.
Chouhan highlighted the critical phase of sustaining employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA while preparing for the VB–G RAM G Act’s effective implementation. The Act aims to provide 125 days of wage employment to rural households, emphasizing empowerment-driven rural development. States were urged to expedite preparatory actions for the Act’s successful rollout.
