The Ministry of Rural Development has undertaken a comprehensive review of preparedness measures to ensure uninterrupted implementation of major rural welfare and infrastructure programmes across the country, keeping in view the evolving situation in West Asia and its possible impact on global supply chains, commodity prices and inflationary trends.

The Ministry is closely monitoring developments that may have indirect implications for rural livelihoods, housing construction, road development and watershed activities, and has put in place proactive mechanisms to maintain continuity of benefits, timely fund flow and smooth execution of ongoing schemes.

Employment Security and Wage Support

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 remains fully operational till the commencement of the proposed VB–G RAM G Act, 2025. There shall be no disruption in the provision of wage employment to rural households.

All statutory entitlements, including demand-based employment and timely wage payments, continue in full force without any dilution. Existing Central Government-notified wage rates remain applicable.

To maintain adequate liquidity and ensure uninterrupted wage disbursal, approximately ₹17,744 crore is being released as the first instalment towards the wage component under MGNREGA.

Upon commencement, the proposed VB–G RAM G Act is expected to provide an enhanced guarantee of 125 days of wage employment, with revised wage rates to be notified separately.

Housing Programme Prepared for Supply Chain Challenges

To achieve the target of “Housing for All” in rural areas, the Ministry is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) for construction of 4.95 crore houses by March 2029.

As a preparedness measure against possible material supply disruptions or price fluctuations, the Ministry is prioritising timely Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) releases, real-time monitoring through AwaasSoft, geo-tagging, and accelerated completion of ongoing houses.

Strong convergence support through mandays, sanitation, drinking water, LPG and electricity is being ensured so that beneficiaries receive a complete package of basic amenities.

Structural measures such as creation of material banks are also being promoted to enhance resilience against future market volatility.

Rural Roads Programme Insulated Through Advance Planning

Under PMGSY, works are sanctioned as per the prevailing Schedule of Rates proposed by the States.

All sanctioned works under PMGSY-I, II, III and Road Connectivity Projects for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas stand tendered or under execution.

Under PMGSY-IV, around 12,100 km road works have been sanctioned and are currently at the tendering stage. At present, the exposure to global volatility remains limited, as bitumen constitutes a relatively small share of total project cost.

Future project batches will be appraised using updated Schedule of Rates to reflect prevailing market conditions and cost trends.

Strengthening Agriculture and Natural Resource Resilience

The Department of Land Resources is implementing WDC-PMKSY (Watershed Development Component - Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana) 2.0 in 50 lakh hectare area to strengthen water conservation, agriculture intensification, horticulture and pasture development.

The Department is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and other stakeholder Ministries to address any emerging situation and ensure smooth implementation.

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Rajinder Chaudhary/Prabhat Upadhyay