MGNREGA
100 Days Guaranteed Work & Wages for Rural Families

What is MGNREGA?

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, is the world's largest work guarantee programme. It provides a legal guarantee of at least 100 days of unskilled wage employment per financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

MGNREGA is a demand-driven scheme — meaning you apply for work when you need it, and the government is legally bound to provide work within 15 days of application. If work is not provided within 15 days, you are entitled to an unemployment allowance. This makes MGNREGA unique among all government welfare schemes.

The wages under MGNREGA are revised every year and vary by state. The minimum national wage is ₹267 per day (as of 2024-25), but many states pay higher wages. Wages are deposited directly into bank or post office accounts within 15 days of work completion.

Who is Eligible for MGNREGA?

Any adult member of a rural household who is willing to do unskilled manual work is eligible for MGNREGA. The key eligibility criteria are:

• Must be a resident of a rural area (gram panchayat area)
• Must be an adult (18 years or above)
• Must be willing to do unskilled manual work
• Must have a Job Card issued by the Gram Panchayat

How to Get MGNREGA Job Card

The Job Card is the most important document for MGNREGA. Every household that wants to work under MGNREGA must have a Job Card. Here is how to get one:

1. Visit your Gram Panchayat office
2. Submit a written application for Job Card registration
3. Provide details of all adult members who want to work
4. Attach passport size photos of all applicants
5. Provide address proof and Aadhaar numbers
6. Job Card must be issued within 15 days of application
7. The Job Card is completely free

How to Apply for MGNREGA Work

1. Submit a written application to the Gram Panchayat requesting work
2. Mention the number of days of work required
3. Government must provide work within 15 days of application
4. If work is not provided within 15 days, you are entitled to unemployment allowance
5. Work will be provided within 5 km of your residence (if farther, 10% extra wage)
6. After completing work, wages are deposited in 15 days

Types of Work Done Under MGNREGA

MGNREGA focuses on creating durable assets in rural areas. The types of work include:

• Water conservation and water harvesting — ponds, check dams, wells
• Drought proofing including afforestation and tree plantation
• Irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works
• Provision of irrigation facility to land owned by SC/ST or BPL families
• Renovation of traditional water bodies
• Land development and flood control works
• Rural connectivity — construction of roads within villages
• Construction of Anganwadi centres, school buildings, toilets under Swachh Bharat

MGNREGA Wages by State 2024-25

MGNREGA wages are revised annually and vary by state. Here are wages for major states:

How to Check MGNREGA Payment Status

• Online: Visit nrega.nic.in → State → District → Block → Panchayat → Job Card
• Mobile App: Download UMANG app and search for MGNREGA
• Bank Passbook: Check your bank or post office account
• Gram Panchayat: Ask at the Gram Panchayat office for your payment details