- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bihar is facing a major setback in its rural development projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) due to the central government's failure to release Rs 3500 crore in material funds. This substantial backlog has led to the disruption and halting of numerous projects across the state.
Despite the conclusion of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the central government has not disbursed the due amount, causing significant concern among state officials. Bihar's Rural Development Minister, Shrawan Kumar, has written to the central government to address the issue and emphasise the state's accomplishments under MGNREGA.
The minister highlighted how the lack of funds has brought several projects to a standstill. MGNREGA provides material funds for creating durable assets such as roads, bridges, and dams, and also supports various other works like construction of steps along ponds.
Disturbingly, payments under the scheme have been stalled since September of the previous year. Despite these challenges, Bihar created a record 25 crore man-days under MGNREGA in 2024-25, exceeding its target of 17 crore man-days.
Gaya district led in providing employment, while East Champaran, Rohtas, and Samastipur generated over one crore man-days each. Several districts, including Arwal, Begusarai, Bhojpur, Gopalganj, Jehanabad, Saran, and Sheohar, also exceeded their employment targets despite the funding issues.
