Archive · 7 Sep 2025
MGNREGA Workers Face Work Denial, Wage Delays Due to Funding Cap
MGNREGA, a program giving rural Indians jobs, is facing problems.
Activists say the government isn't letting states spend enough money, so people can't get work or are not getting paid.
They also say a new system for taking attendance is making things difficult.
The activists want the government to pay workers more, quickly, and remove hurdles.
They are worried the program is not working well and needs help.
Activists from 11 states report MGNREGA workers are facing denial of work and delayed wages.
The government has capped expenditure at 60% of the budget for the first six months.
This cap restricts states from spending more than ₹51,600 crore before September.
The World Bank suggests 1.6% of GDP spending on MGNREGA, while it is currently 0.3%.
Activists also criticized the online attendance system, National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS).
- Who
- Activists from 11 states and NREGA Sangharsh Morcha
- What
- Alleging denial of work, delayed wages, and non-registration of attendance for MGNREGA workers.
- When
- September 6, 2025
- Where
- Multiple states across India
- Why
- To highlight issues caused by budget caps, technological interventions, and lack of wage payments.
NREGA Activists
Union Government
Funding
NREGA Activists
MGNREGA is underfunded and needs more allocation.
Union Government
Implied through budget caps and current allocation.
Wage Payments
NREGA Activists
Workers are facing delayed payments and deserve timely wages.
Union Government
Implied by existing payment practices.
Technological Interventions
NREGA Activists
NMMS attendance is causing issues and obstacles for workers.
Union Government
Implied by the implementation of the NMMS.
- Organization
- NREGA Sangharsh Morcha (NSM) & activists from 11 states
- Scheme
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Expenditure Cap
- 60% of allocated budget in first 6 months
- Allocated Budget
- ₹86,000 crore
- Funds Released (Sept 6, 2025)
- ₹52,951 crore
- Proposed Daily Wage Increase
- Minimum of ₹800
- Current Spending (GDP)
- 0.3%
- World Bank Recommendation (GDP)
- 1.6%
