New Delhi, April 20: The Ministry of Rural Development has undertaken a comprehensive review to ensure uninterrupted implementation of key rural welfare and infrastructure programmes amid emerging global uncertainties linked to the evolving situation in West Asia.
Officials said the review focused on safeguarding employment, housing, rural roads, and livelihood initiatives from potential disruptions arising out of global supply chain constraints, commodity price volatility, and inflationary pressures.
The Ministry noted that proactive measures have been put in place to maintain continuity of benefits, ensure timely fund flow, and avoid disruptions in ongoing schemes.
Employment Security Assured
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) will continue to operate without interruption, ensuring wage employment to rural households. All statutory provisions, including demand-based employment and timely wage payments, remain in force.
To maintain liquidity and ensure smooth wage disbursal, the government is releasing approximately ₹17,744 crore as the first instalment for the wage component under the scheme.
The Ministry also indicated that the proposed VB–G RAM G Act, once implemented, is expected to enhance the employment guarantee to 125 days, with revised wage rates to be notified separately.
Housing Programme on Track
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), the government aims to construct 4.95 crore houses by March 2029.
To mitigate potential disruptions in construction material supply and price fluctuations, the Ministry is prioritising timely Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), real-time monitoring through digital platforms, and faster completion of ongoing projects. Measures such as the creation of material banks are also being promoted to improve resilience.
Rural Roads Execution Continues
The Ministry said that rural road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are largely insulated from global volatility due to advance planning and limited dependence on imported inputs.
Ongoing works under various phases of the scheme are either tendered or under execution, while approximately 12,100 km of roads under PMGSY-IV are currently in the tendering stage.
Focus on Agriculture and Resource Management
Efforts are also underway to strengthen agricultural resilience through watershed development under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). The programme is being implemented across 50 lakh hectares to enhance water conservation, agriculture productivity, and allied activities.
The Ministry said it is coordinating with other departments, including the Ministry of Agriculture, to respond to emerging challenges and ensure seamless programme delivery.
Officials said that the government remains committed to protecting rural livelihoods and sustaining development momentum despite global economic uncertainties.
