New Delhi, April 20: The Ministry of Rural Development said the government is ensuring uninterrupted implementation and timely payments under MGNREGA, with ₹17,744 crore already released via DBT for April wages. Adequate budget provisions and a 21% increase in allocation will help meet demand under both MGNREGA and VBSY.

"For the MGNREGA scheme, full provisions are being made for all demands presented to us. We are taking timely care of all necessary actions to ensure a smooth transition until the full implementation of VBSY. Recently, just two days ago, the Honourable Union Minister for Rural Development held a press conference with all Honourable State Ministers for Rural Development. He requested that there should be no disruption in work creation and that all payments are made on time," he said.

Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, said all statutory entitlements under MGNREGA are being safeguarded, with payments and wage rates running smoothly. He added that ₹17,744 crore has been released via DBT for April wages, and sufficient provisions have been made to meet demand under both MGNREGA and VBSY, supported by a 21% higher budget allocation this year. "All the statutory entitlements under MGNREGA are being protected. Work on our payments and wage rates is proceeding smoothly. The first instalment of 17,744 crore rupees as the wage component under MGNREGA has been released via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).

This will facilitate payments for works being carried out during the month of April. In short, since both MGNREGA and VBSY are demand-based schemes, we have made appropriate provisions for any demand that arises. You may be aware that the budget for the Rural Development Ministry this year is 21% higher than last year, which will greatly assist us in adjusting such demands," he added. Shukla also highlighted progress in key rural schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin, targeting 4.59 crore houses by 2029 with real-time monitoring, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, where expanded funding and new road projects are underway "Under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G), house construction is ongoing, and we aim to complete 4.59 crore houses by March 2029. In this regard, we have reviewed the current issues we are dealing with alongside the states, and every effort is being made to release funds in a timely manner through DBT.