New Delhi 10/12/2025 Agencies
Jammu and Kashmir has received a major financial boost under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the financial year 2025–26, with the Union Government releasing ₹1,068 crore to support rural employment and ongoing developmental works across the Union Territory. The details were shared by the Ministry of Rural Development during a session of the Lok Sabha, shedding light on both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain.
According to official data, J&K has already generated 242 lakh person-days under the scheme this year, reflecting strong participation from rural households and effective utilisation of funds at the grassroots level. The scheme continues to serve as a lifeline for thousands of families in remote districts, ensuring livelihood security through guaranteed wage employment.
The Centre informed Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir currently has over 10 lakh active job cards, highlighting the scale at which MGNREGS operates across the UT. These job cards represent individuals and families who rely on the scheme for sustained income opportunities, particularly during agricultural off-seasons or in regions affected by limited private employment avenues.
However, the figures also reveal pending liabilities under the scheme. As of now, wage payments worth ₹6.10 crore remain unpaid, posing challenges for timely disbursement to workers. In addition, there are material liabilities of ₹192 crore, which include payments owed for construction materials, procurement, and other project-related expenses. Such delays often affect the pace of local development works, ranging from road construction and water conservation to rural infrastructure projects.
Officials say the UT administration is coordinating with the Centre to ensure smoother fund flow and clearance of dues. With rural employment demand expected to remain high, timely fund release will be crucial for maintaining work continuity.
MGNREGS is one of India’s largest social welfare programmes, aimed at enhancing livelihood security by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households. In Jammu and Kashmir, the scheme has played an important role in improving rural infrastructure, empowering local communities, and supporting families in economically vulnerable areas.
With the release of fresh funds and ongoing demand for work, the coming months will be critical in determining how efficiently J&K manages wage payments, accelerates project completion, and strengthens rural employment under the scheme.
