Eye on Assembly polls, Centre raises MGNREGA workdays

Aiming at getting votes of the marginalised sector in the upcoming Bihar polls, PM Narendra Modi-led NDA government on Monday increased the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to 150. The Centre has increased <g data-gr-id="14">number</g> of workdays under the rural employment guarantee programme from 100 to 150 in drought-hit areas. 

The Centre has taken this decision for relief to farmers in view of deficit monsoon this year. According Agriculture Ministry communiqué, the Centre has decided to provide an additional 50 days of unskilled manual work in the financial year over and above the 100 days assured to job cardholders in such rural areas where drought or natural calamities has been notified.

“This will enable states to provide additional wage employment to rural poor in drought affected areas. The poorest rural households will benefit from this, as it will help in <g data-gr-id="16">immediate</g> absorption of rural seasonal unemployment, and reduce rural distress,” the Ministry’s release said.