An important decision related to rural employment was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting held on Friday, December 12, 2025.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) has been renamed the Pujya Bapu Rural Employment Scheme.
Along with the name change, the government has increased the number of guaranteed working days under the scheme to 125 days.
According to media reports, the central government has also revised the minimum wage, increasing it to ₹240 per day. These changes are expected to provide greater financial support to rural workers.
Background and Evolution of the Scheme
The scheme was originally launched in 2005 as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Later, it was amended
and renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It then came to be popularly known as MNREGA.
Now, the BJP-led central government has decided to rename it once again as the Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana.
Along with the new name, the increase in the number of working days marks a significant policy shift aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods.
Types of Work Provided Under the Scheme
The work offered under MNREGA is mainly labour-intensive in nature. It includes activities such as road construction, water conservation projects, pond digging, gardening, and many other small
and large community development works in villages. These projects have played an important role in improving rural infrastructure.
Impact on Rural Economy and Workers
The scheme has greatly strengthened the economic condition of rural areas. By ensuring work availability within villages, it has helped stabilize the income of rural households.
Women’s participation has also increased significantly, as many women have been able to find employment through this programme.
With the recent decision to change the scheme’s name, increase the number of working days, and raise wages, rural labourers are expected to benefit directly.
The higher wages and additional workdays will further boost their overall income and financial security.
