MGNREGS answer avoids 50/80/125-day financial burden estimates

The question asked the Ministry of Rural Development to provide year-wise data on average work days under MGNREGS since inception, details on increasing the government's financial share to ensure 125 days of employment, and the estimated financial burden on the Central and State governments. The Ministry responded by citing the new VB-G RAM G Act and providing budgetary allocations.

Asked and answered by: Asked by Shri Sachithanantham R; Answered by the Ministry of Rural Development (Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan).

What the government said

• The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025 provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment, replacing the previous 100-day guarantee under MGNREGS.
• The Central Government allocated Rs. 95,692.31 Crores for the 9-month period of FY 2026-27 (01.07.2026-31.03.2027) at the Budget Estimate Stage.
• The total outlay for the scheme in this period is expected to exceed Rs. 1.51 lakh crore when the States' share is included.
• The allocation of Rs. 95,692 Crore is described as the highest ever for any rural employment programme in the country at the Budget Estimate Stage.
• This allocation is in addition to Rs. 30,000 Crore allocated under MGNREGS for the first three months of FY 2026-27.
• Average work days per household ranged from 38 days in FY 2008-09 to 52 days in FY 2020-21 and FY 2023-24, with 24 days recorded for the period up to June 2026.

Also in the document

• The answer does not provide specific calculated figures for the additional financial burden on the Central Government and States collectively for scenarios of 50, 80, and 125 days, stating instead that requirements depend on dynamic factors like actual demand and wage rates.
• The answer does not provide a specific estimated quantum based on the last year's expenditure, but rather cites the current budgetary allocation for FY 2026-27.