New Delhi, June 10: The central government has taken a significant step to boost rural development, job creation, and worker safety in India. On Tuesday, Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the release of an interim amount of ₹95,692.31 crore to states and union territories.
Previously, ₹30,000 crore had already been allocated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This brings the total allocation to over ₹1.25 lakh crore.
During a video conference with state rural development ministers regarding the implementation of the ‘Developed India-Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural),’ Chouhan stated that this funding will reach approximately 2.8 lakh gram panchayats. Each gram panchayat will receive substantial financial assistance for development projects.
He emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has initiated comprehensive financial and policy measures for rural employment, worker welfare, and overall village development. The new system, effective from July 1, will focus on being labor-centric and obstacle-free.
Chouhan urged states to approve development projects in advance to ensure swift implementation of plans starting July 1. He also noted that the government aims not only to provide funds but also to ensure timely wage payments, protect workers’ rights, and maintain continuity in development activities.
Discussing digital and administrative readiness, Chouhan mentioned that several states have made significant progress in areas such as Direct Benefit Transfer, e-KYC, facial authentication, and SMS-based information systems. He revealed that 26 states have already made budgetary provisions in line with the ‘Developed India-Rural India’ goal.
However, states like Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana, and Mizoram were advised to expedite this process. Chouhan indicated that he would personally write to the chief ministers of these states. He also commended Mizoram, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh for issuing notifications.
During the meeting, interim allocations for states were announced. Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹12,221.48 crore, followed by West Bengal with ₹8,508 crore, Tamil Nadu with ₹7,957.57 crore, Andhra Pradesh with ₹7,707.21 crore, and Rajasthan with ₹7,581.87 crore. Bihar was allocated ₹6,715.83 crore, Madhya Pradesh ₹6,252.03 crore, Karnataka ₹5,709.09 crore, and Maharashtra ₹4,420.32 crore.
Among union territories, Jammu and Kashmir received ₹1,151.02 crore, Puducherry ₹40.56 crore, Ladakh ₹85.98 crore, and other union territories were allocated funds based on their needs. Additionally, ₹1,850.62 crore was earmarked separately for central administration and social audits.
Chouhan clarified that development projects will be selected based on suggestions from gram panchayats and gram sabhas. He instructed that there should be no reduction or obstacles in job creation and wage payments under MGNREGA by July 1.
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