MGNREGS sees sharp contraction in 2025-26, leading to income loss and fewer workdays

A report by NREGA Sangharsh Morcha and LibTech India reveals a sharp contraction in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 2025-26. Despite a marginal rise in registered households, employment generation, total workdays, and the number of families completing 100 days of work significantly declined. This resulted in an average income loss of ₹1,221 per household. The report highlights the uncertainty surrounding the transition to the new Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and criticizes the lack of public consultation for such a major restructuring of employment guarantee programs, raising concerns about rural livelihood security.

Key Points

  • The MGNREGS experienced a significant contraction in 2025-26, with declines in employment generation and total workdays.
  • This contraction led to an average income loss of ₹1,221 for each MGNREGS household during the financial year.
  • The number of households completing 100 days of work under the scheme declined by 40.5%.
  • Concerns are raised about the transition to the new Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, without adequate public consultation.

Exam Facts

  • The report covers the financial year 2025-26 for MGNREGS.
  • The average income loss for each MGNREGS household was ₹1,221.
  • The number of households completing 100 days of work declined by 40.5% (from 0.37 crore to 0.22 crore).
  • The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, is expected to replace MGNREGS.

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All current affairs of 9 May 2026