Centre and Rajasthan Discuss Rural Boost, ₹4,384 Cr Released for MGNREGA

Shri Chouhan announced the disbursement of ₹4,384 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Rajasthan for the 2025-26 financial year.

In a decisive step towards bolstering rural development and agricultural progress in Rajasthan, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The high-level meeting underscored the Central Government’s continued commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmers and uplifting rural communities.

Also in attendance were Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Agriculture Secretary Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Rural Development Secretary Shri Shailesh Singh, Director General of ICAR Dr. M.L. Jat, and senior officials from both the Centre and the Government of Rajasthan.

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₹4,384 Crore Released for MGNREGA in Rajasthan

Shri Chouhan announced the disbursement of ₹4,384 crore under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Rajasthan for the 2025-26 financial year. The funds are allocated as follows:

• ₹3,286 crore for wage payments to rural workers.

• ₹944 crore for material components of rural infrastructure projects.

• ₹154 crore for administrative expenses.

Expressing appreciation for the support, CM Sharma thanked the Union Minister and highlighted the significant role MGNREGA plays in providing employment and sustaining rural livelihoods in the state.

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Focus on Rural Housing: PMAY-G and PM-JANMAN

The implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) and PM-JANMAN housing schemes were discussed in depth. Shri Chouhan praised Rajasthan’s implementation of these flagship housing programs, noting the successful completion of surveys and said approvals for 7.46 lakh new houses will be granted as soon as ongoing verifications conclude.

This assurance is expected to accelerate home construction across rural Rajasthan and benefit both marginalised and tribal communities under the PM-JANMAN component.

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Agricultural Reforms: Focus on Irrigation, Infrastructure and Productivity

On the agricultural front, several strategic interventions were reviewed:

• Progress under “Per Drop More Crop”, a sub-component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), was evaluated. The scheme promotes micro-irrigation to increase water-use efficiency.

• Emphasis was laid on the construction of pond-like tanks for rainwater harvesting and fencing of farmlands to prevent crop damage.

• CM Sharma suggested the deployment of agricultural supervisors at the Gram Panchayat level, aiming to provide real-time support to farmers at the grassroots.

The Union Minister welcomed the proposal and promised to examine its feasibility under central agricultural extension programs.

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Rajasthan’s Agri Exports and Crop Specialisation Discussed

Both leaders stressed the need to strengthen inter-state trade in agricultural commodities, with a special focus on:

• Notifying Rajasthan’s premium groundnut (peanut) varieties under Geographical Indications (GI).

• Promoting castor oil, a major export product of the state, in both domestic and international markets through agri-export facilitation schemes.

CM Sharma also reported that the 2025 monsoon season has so far shown positive trends, raising hopes for a bumper harvest and enhanced rural prosperity.

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Livelihood and Self-Help Initiatives

Shri Chouhan and the Chief Minister also examined the progress of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in the state. Discussions focused on scaling up Self-Help Groups (SHGs), integrating digital platforms for product marketing, and encouraging SHG-led enterprises in agro-processing and handcraft sectors.

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Strengthening Centre-State Synergy

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared vision for rural empowerment. Shri Chouhan assured continued support from the Centre for Rajasthan’s rural initiatives and reiterated the importance of Centre-State synergy in achieving inclusive and sustainable development goals.

He also urged state officials to fast-track the implementation of ongoing schemes and make full use of central allocations, particularly in irrigation, housing, and agri-infrastructure.

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This strategic collaboration between the Union and Rajasthan governments is expected to enhance rural employment, improve agricultural productivity, and streamline welfare delivery—a significant step toward building a self-reliant and prosperous rural India.