Centre Greenlights 153 Lakh Labour Days for West Bengal under MGNREGS

The Indian government has sanctioned a labour budget of 153 lakh person-days under the MGNREGS for West Bengal in June 2026, aiming to boost rural employment and livelihoods. The approval was communicated by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The central government has given the green light to a labour budget of 153 lakh person-days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the state of West Bengal in June 2026. This decision is a substantial step towards enhancing rural employment and ensuring livelihood security for the residents of the state. The approval was communicated by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

In a detailed communication, the Ministry of Rural Development reported that the allocation followed a careful examination of the state's request. The ministry assessed West Bengal's progress on various central parameters before arriving at the decision. This budget is projected to offer employment avenues to rural households seeking work under the scheme, thereby guaranteeing sustained livelihood support throughout West Bengal. Minister Chouhan expressed optimism that the state would utilize the allocation effectively by ensuring timely employment provision and compliance with transparency and accountability guidelines in the implementation process.

Further into the communication, it was highlighted that West Bengal will see the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), abbreviated as VB-G RAM G, starting July 1, 2026. This new framework is designed to fortify rural livelihood security and encourage the creation of durable community assets. States are expected to align employment initiatives with VB-G RAM G's objectives and complete necessary preparatory measures.