MGNREGA Completes 20 Years: A Data-Driven Assessment of Rural Employment
Two decades of India's flagship rural employment guarantee scheme — what the data reveals about wage trends, participation, and economic impact across states.
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The Breakdown Editorial
15 June 2026Key Takeaways
Two decades of India's flagship rural employment guarantee scheme — what the data reveals about wage trends, participation, and economic impact across states.
- MGNREGA completed 20 years of operation in 2026
- Annual budget allocation has grown 5x since inception
- Women participation has increased from 40% to 55%
- Average wage growth has lagged behind inflation in most states
Evidence
MGNREGA wage rates are higher than market wages in most states.
Strong88%Primary Sources: 1Evidence: 1 items
Supporting Evidence
- ▶In 12 of 28 states, MGNREGA wages are lower than prevailing market wages.
Sources
View Sources →Report1
The scheme has lifted 2 crore families above poverty line.
Verified82%Primary Sources: 1Evidence: 1 items
Key Numbers
3,850 croreTotal Person-Days GeneratedMoRD Dashboard
₹267/dayAverage Wage (2025-26)MoRD
14.2 croreActive WorkersNREGA MIS
55.3%Women ParticipationAnnual Report 2025-26
Timeline
MGNREGA Budget Allocation Over Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
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