SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday thanked Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for increasing the MGNREGA work limit for Jammu and Kashmir, saying the enhanced support would significantly aid vulnerable communities facing economic distress.
The Chief Minister also commended JK Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Javid Ahmad Dar and his team for successfully securing approval from the Union Rural Development Ministry for an additional 50 days of employment for rural households affected by recent floods and landslides.
Describing the decision as “crucial”, Abdullah said the extension would benefit thousands of impacted families by expanding livelihood opportunities and enabling timely relief. He appreciated the Government of India’s prompt response to JK’s request for special assistance.
The Centre has officially raised the MGNREGA work limit from 100 to 150 days for the 2025–26 financial year in 1,962 Panchayats declared flood-affected. The move follows recommendations from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, aimed at stabilising rural incomes, easing economic hardship and supporting the creation of durable community assets.
The additional employment days will be rolled out under revised management protocols, with enhanced monitoring through NREGASoft, the national MIS system currently being updated to track the extended work schedule.
