The central government has approved an increase in the number of person-days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to 150 for Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2025-26. This decision, aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas affected by natural calamities, has been welcomed by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare recommended extending the additional employment benefit of 50 days, exceeding the standard 100 days per household, specifically for areas within the Union Territory impacted by floods, cloud bursts, and landslides. An official release stated that this decision was made considering the potential increase in demand for public works employment due to these natural disasters.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their decision to increase the MGNREGA work limit. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, November 21, 2025, Sinha stated that he was grateful to them for increasing the number of person-days provided under MGNREGA to 150 days for Jammu and Kashmir, which would enhance livelihood security in rural areas affected by natural calamities.
Sinha highlighted that 1,962 panchayats in Jammu and Kashmir had been declared "flood-affected," significantly impacting the livelihoods of the residents. He noted that the government of India was requested to provide special relief, and the current decision will ensure a stable income for vulnerable rural households, alleviate economic hardship for families, and facilitate the creation of durable assets.
The increase in MGNREGA workdays is expected to provide substantial support to the rural economy of Jammu and Kashmir, offering much-needed employment opportunities and financial stability to families grappling with the aftermath of natural disasters. This move underscores the government's commitment to supporting rural communities and strengthening their resilience in the face of adversity.
