In a significant move aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, the Central Government has renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), 2005 as Pujya Bapu Gramin Rojgar Yojana. The decision was approved by the Union Cabinet on December 12, 2025.
Under the revamped scheme, the government has announced a guarantee of up to 125 days of wage employment annually for eligible rural households, an increase over the earlier provisions. The initiative focuses on providing unskilled manual work to rural residents to ensure income security and reduce migration to urban areas.
Pujya Bapu Gramin Rojgar Yojana is a flagship rural employment programme designed to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for people living in villages. The scheme primarily targets landless labourers, unemployed youth, seasonal workers, and economically weaker rural families.
Employment will be provided through labour-intensive activities such as:
Rural infrastructure development
Agricultural and irrigation works
Sanitation and water conservation projects
Village-level public asset creation
The government believes that the scheme will play a crucial role in boosting the rural economy while promoting skill development through on-ground work.
The main objective of Pujya Bapu Gramin Rojgar Yojana is to improve the social and economic condition of rural households by ensuring assured employment. The scheme aims to:
Increase income levels of poor rural families
Reduce distress migration to cities
Strengthen rural infrastructure
Provide employment security to unskilled labour
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Must be an Indian citizen
Should be a resident of a rural area
Minimum age should be 18 years
Preference given to unemployed, underemployed, or seasonal workers
Must belong to BPL or low-income households
The following individuals are not eligible:
Urban residents
Applicants below 18 years of age
Government employees (Central or State)
Families with income exceeding the prescribed limit
Eligible applicants can apply online by following these steps:
Visit the official NREGA website: https://nrega.dord.gov.in
Click on the Job Card Registration option
Fill in the registration form with accurate details
Upload the required documents
Submit the application
Once registered, applicants will be issued a job card, enabling them to seek employment under the scheme.
Guaranteed employment for up to 125 days per financial year
Regular wage income for rural households
Enhanced rural development
Economic support to weaker sections of society
Applicants need the following documents:
Aadhaar Card
Residence Certificate
Income Certificate
Job Card (if available)
Bank account details
Mobile number
Passport-size photograph
For assistance and queries related to the scheme:
Email: jsit-mord@nic.in
Helpline Number: 011-23384707