Funding the Future: MGNREGA's Major Monetary Release

The Centre has disbursed over Rs 68,393 crore to states and Union Territories under the MGNREGA scheme. This includes funds for wages, materials, and administration, with pending liabilities also addressed. West Bengal remains unfunded due to non-compliance. The scheme ensures direct beneficiary transfers via PFMS.

The Centre has allocated Rs 68,393.67 crore to various states and Union Territories under the MGNREGA scheme, according to a statement by Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Rural Development.

Detailed in a Rajya Sabha written reply, Paswan said Rs 57,853.62 crore was dedicated to wage payments by November 26, while Rs 10,540.05 crore was earmarked for materials and administrative components. The annual MGNREGA budget for 2025-26 is set at Rs 86,000 crore.

However, pending liabilities still hover around Rs 10,127.58 crore. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat were identified as states with substantial outstanding debts. Meanwhile, West Bengal's funding has been halted due to non-compliance with central directives since March 2022. The scheme is a continuous fund release process, with wage payments made directly to beneficiaries through India's PFMS.

(With inputs from agencies.)