Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a nationwide campaign is being carried out to realize the vision of empowerment for the poor, women, farmers, and youth. The Madhya Pradesh government is actively executing this campaign in mission mode, with continuous efforts towards the economic empowerment of weaker sections through various flagship schemes. Among these initiatives, the MGNREGA scheme has emerged as a key pillar for the prosperity of the poor, farmers, and laborers.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh highlighted that this scheme not only provides local employment for the poor, laborers, and farmers but also contributes significantly to enhancing irrigation facilities. Through MGNREGA, various works such as the construction of farm ponds, Amrit Sarovars, wells, check dams, land leveling, bunding, horticulture, renovation of water bodies, and rainwater harvesting structures are being undertaken. So far, 32 lakh people in the state have received employment through MGNREGA under the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan. During the fiscal year 2025–26, approximately Rs 1500 crore has been paid in wages to workers.
The MGNREGA program, being implemented by both the central and state governments, guarantees 100 days of local employment for rural and urban populations. Since April of this year, 32 lakh individuals from 22 lakh families in Madhya Pradesh have benefitted from this scheme.
To further promote rainwater harvesting and generate local employment, the state government has been running the Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan. As of June 14, the campaign has led to the construction of 80,496 farm ponds, 1,01,061 recharge pits, and 1,283 Amrit Sarovars across the state, significantly contributing to both water infrastructure and employment generation.
The Jal Ganga Sanvardhan Abhiyan, a three-month-long campaign, is being carried out during the lean agricultural season when farmers, laborers, and the poor are usually in search of employment. The campaign has proven effective in offering local employment opportunities under MGNREGA, which has in turn reduced the need for people to migrate to other districts or states. As a result, migration has notably decreased.
The wages earned through MGNREGA are not just a source of livelihood for workers, farmers, and the poor, but also help meet essential needs such as farming expenses, household requirements, and children's education. Development activities such as farm ponds, Amrit Sarovars, recharge pits, road repairs, and rainwater harvesting are helping to strengthen rural infrastructure, thereby supporting the overall well-being of rural communities.