The Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved an additional 50 days of employment over and above the standard 100 days per household under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 1962 Panchayats of Jammu & Kashmir declared as “flood/cloud burst/landslide” (natural calamity) affected areas.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the decision was communicated through an official letter (No. J-11019/03/2025-RE-IV) dated November 21, 2025, issued by Director (MGNREGA) Sanjay Kumar to the Secretary, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
The 1962 Panchayats were notified as natural calamity-affected vide Government Order No. 47-JK (DMRRR) dated October 31, 2025. The move comes in response to increased demand for wage employment on public works following agricultural operations in these areas.
Key points of the approval:
- Up to 150 days of total employment per household will now be available in the notified calamity-hit Panchayats for FY 2025-26.
- The additional 50 days beyond 100 days will be provided under Section 3(4) of the MGNREGA Act.
- Central Government will bear the entire cost of unskilled employment and 75% of the material cost for these extra 50 days.
- NREGASoft (MIS) is being modified to allow registration of up to 150 days in these areas.
- All existing guidelines on wage-material ratio, use of machinery, Social Audit and muster rolls will continue to apply.
The Ministry has also asked the UT administration to include an approved Shelf of Projects and, if required, submit a revised Labour Budget to meet the enhanced demand.
The Chenab Times News Desk