Wage Revision for FY 2025-26
The daily wage under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been revised from ₹349 to ₹370 per person, effective April 1, 2025. The revision was announced by Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO K.R. Nandini, citing an order from the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Impact on Rural Earnings
- With this ₹21 increase, a family completing 100 days of work under the scheme can now earn ₹37,000 per year, up from ₹34,900 last year.
- The hike is expected to boost rural household incomes and enhance financial security for job card-holders.
Equal Pay & Gender Inclusion
- MGNREGA ensures gender equality, as both men and women receive equal wages.
- The scheme continues to play a crucial role in providing employment to rural workers, especially in economically weaker regions.
Demand for Adjusted Work Hours in Summer
- Workers in heatwave-prone Kalyana Karnataka have demanded a reduction in mandatory work hours during peak summer months to account for extreme weather conditions.
The wage revision under MGNREGA is a positive step towards improving rural livelihoods. However, concerns over seasonal working conditions highlight the need for further policy adjustments to safeguard worker welfare.
