Mandya achieves 102% target under MGNREGA

A total of 3,44,904 families were issued job cards, of which 1,46,039 cards remained active, benefiting 2,58,697 individuals under the scheme.
| Photo Credit: M A SRIRAM

Mandya district in Karnataka has set a new benchmark under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by achieving 102.55% of its annual target for 2024–25, providing significant livelihood opportunities to rural communities.

The Mandya zilla panchayat (ZP), which oversees implementation of the programme, has earned praise for its effective execution. A total of 3,44,904 families were issued job cards, of which 1,46,039 cards remained active, benefiting 2,58,697 individuals under the scheme.

Against the targeted 27 lakh man-days for the district, Mandya successfully generated 27,69,096 man-days of employment. Among the taluks, K.R. Pet stood out by achieving 144.55% of its target, creating 7,64,005 man-days against the expected 5,28,538. Maddur taluk followed, achieving 106.63% by generating 6,89,083 man-days against a target of 6,49,083. The remaining five taluks recorded achievements between 70% and 90% of their respective targets.

The zilla panchayat noted that MGNREGA has played a crucial role in reducing rural migration by providing employment opportunities within villages themselves.

For 2025–26, action plans prepared by the gram panchayats have been approved, ensuring that the upcoming works are both necessary and beneficial to the community. Officials have been directed to focus on effective and timely implementation of the projects.

Importantly, the daily wage under MGNREGA has been revised from ₹349 to ₹370 per person, effective April 1, 2025. With the revision, a family completing 100 days of work can now earn ₹37,000 annually, compared to ₹34,900 the previous year.

The Union Ministry of Rural Development announced the revised rates through a recent order.

Mandya ZP CEO K.R. Nandini lauded the achievement, describing MGNREGA as a ‘ray of hope’ for the rural population. She urged villagers to fully utilise the benefits of the programme, especially with the increased wage rate now in effect.