Centre releases ₹68,393 Crore under MGNREGS for FY 2025-26

The Union of government has released ₹68,393.67 crore to States and Union Territories under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the ongoing financial year 2025-26, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

According to the minister, a major share ₹57,853.62 crore has been allocated for the wage component, ensuring timely payment to rural workers employed under the scheme. Another ₹10,540.05 crore has been earmarked for material and administrative expenses, which cover construction materials, infrastructure costs, and implementation-related activities.

Chouhan emphasised that wage payments are made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system directly into workers’ bank accounts, a mechanism aimed at improving transparency and preventing delays or leakages. He said the government continues to prioritise rural employment and asset creation through MGNREGS, which guarantees at least 100 days of wage work to rural households.

The minister noted that the fund release is part of ongoing efforts to support rural livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure in villages, and ensure accountability in the execution of works across the country.