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Centre Boosts Rural Jobs to 125 Days, Ensures Timely Wages in New Reforms

The Central government has strengthened rural livelihood schemes under the Vikasit Bharat initiative, increasing guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days. Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan announced a joint allocation of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore by the Centre and states for rural development. Key reforms include mandatory wage payment within 15 days, with interest and unemployment allowance for delays, and KYC verification to ensure direct bank transfers. The daily wage of ₹256 is now linked to the Labour Index Price for automatic inflation adjustments, and awareness programs are being conducted to inform rural workers.

Key Points: Rural Job Scheme Enhanced to 125 Days, ₹1.5 Lakh Crore Allocated

  • Guaranteed rural employment raised to 125 days
  • ₹1.5 lakh crore allocated for rural development
  • Wages must be paid within 15 days or attract interest
  • KYC verification mandated to prevent fraud
  • Daily wage of ₹256 linked to inflation index
2 min read

Centre strengthens rural livelihood schemes, increases guaranteed employment to 125 days: Minister Kamlesh Paswan in Majuli

Union Minister announces key reforms under Vikasit Bharat, increasing guaranteed employment days and ensuring wage payment within 15 days to benefit rural workers.

"The earlier provision of 100 days of guaranteed employment has now been increased to 125 days. - Kamlesh Paswan"

Majuli, February 25

Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, who is on a two-day visit to Majuli, participated in a special discussion titled 'Vikasit Bharat Mission-Guarantee for Rojgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin' held at the conference hall of the Integrated District Commissioner's Office on Wednesday.

Addressing the programme, Paswan said, "The Central government has initiated key reforms in rural employment schemes under the 'Vikasit Bharat' initiative to strengthen transparency and increase guaranteed employment, ensuring greater benefits for rural workers."

Speaking at an awareness programme in Majuli, the Minister announced that the "earlier provision of 100 days of guaranteed employment has now been increased to 125 days, creating additional livelihood opportunities for rural labourers."

He also stated that special measures have been introduced to address labour shortages during the agricultural season.

"The government has made provisions to temporarily suspend certain works for up to 60 days, allowing workers to engage in agricultural activities and local rural work. This will benefit both farmers and labourers while creating additional employment opportunities," Paswan said.

Emphasising timely wage payments, the Minister said that "if wages are not paid within 15 days, workers will be entitled to receive their wages along with interest and unemployment allowance as per the rules."

Highlighting the financial commitment, Paswan said that "the Centre and State governments together have allocated around ₹1.5 lakh crore for rural development under the scheme. He added that the initiative reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a strong rural India, where nearly 70 per cent of the country's population resides."

Paswan further informed that workers are currently receiving a daily wage of ₹256, which has been linked to the Labour Index Price to ensure automatic revisions in line with inflation. To enhance transparency and prevent irregularities, the government has introduced mandatory KYC verification for workers before registration.

"This will ensure that wages are directly credited to workers' bank accounts, eliminating the possibility of fraud or leakages," he said.

The Minister added that "awareness programmes are being conducted in Majuli and other villages to inform people about the new provisions and ensure that more rural workers can benefit from the scheme."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good announcement, but implementation is key. In our area, the payment is often delayed beyond 30 days. Will the 15-day rule with interest actually be enforced on the ground? Hope the awareness programs reach the actual workers.
R
Rahul R
The provision to suspend work for 60 days during farming season is very practical. It shows the government is thinking about the actual cycle of rural life. Farmers won't have to choose between their own fields and guaranteed work.
A
Aryan P
₹1.5 lakh crore is a huge allocation! Hope this translates into quality assets for villages—better roads, water conservation projects—and not just numbers on paper. The focus should be on sustainable development.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the wage linked to the Labour Index Price. That's a smart way to protect rural workers' incomes from inflation automatically. More countries should adopt such mechanisms for social security schemes.
N
Nisha Z
Mandatory KYC is good for stopping corruption, but what about elderly or illiterate workers who might find the process difficult? The awareness programs must help them with the paperwork. The intent is right, hope the execution is compassionate too.

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