Under the revised NREGA scheme, rural workers will now be paid full wages even while performing labour tasks inside their homes such as toilet building, roof repair or floor concreting. They will receive ₹346 per day like at government worksites. A total of ₹31,140 will be transferred directly to their account after 90 official workdays. Officials confirm this will be recorded through local verification. Families unable to work outside due to health or personal reasons are expected to gain stable income from this breakthrough decision.
Will Farming Families Gain More?
Previously NREGA covered only public development projects like road making, canal cleaning and tree plantation. Now farmers can receive wages for bund construction, digging wells or improving water storage on their own fields. This eliminates the need to hire external labour. Experts predict that this could reduce outward migration and increase agricultural resilience. Village-level growth is likely to rise as labourers use their skills to build directly on their own land and homes without extra cost.
Is Payment System Fully Secure?
The government has mandated that all wages be sent only to the worker’s official bank or post office account to prevent interference by middlemen. NREGA guarantees at least 100 days of employment each year and unemployment allowance if no job is provided within 15 days. Digital record keeping will apply to both home and site-based work. Authorities have initiated monitoring teams to avoid manipulation. Compensation will also be issued for delayed payments, strengthening worker rights.
Will Women Lead Participation Now?
A minimum of 33 percent NREGA jobs are reserved for women. With home work now included, more females can participate without leaving young children unattended. External worksites still require water, shade, medical kit and crèche when needed. This reform is being hailed as a turning point for improving women’s financial independence, allowing them to contribute economically while remaining near their families. Observers believe it may increase confidence and reduce gender constraints in rural employment.
Can Home Upgrades Boost Dignity?
By allowing wages for basic improvements to housing such as sanitation upgrades, structure repair and clean flooring, the scheme offers dual benefit: income and better living conditions. Farming households working on field preparations will improve crop support systems simultaneously. Analysts say this could enhance hygiene and water resilience in remote areas. The government expects rural families to feel self-reliant as both employment and infrastructure grow without heavy outside expenditure.
Is Registration Still Hassle Free?
NREGA registration remains free and simple. Any rural resident aged 18 or above willing to do manual work can apply. The job card must be issued within 15 days. CM Bhagwant Mann has requested eligible families to sign up immediately to benefit from the new reform. Citizens say this policy gives respect rather than just assistance. The scheme remains open without barriers of caste or gender and will help vulnerable communities first.
Will Strict Monitoring Ensure Success?
Experts caution that honest implementation is vital. Punjab government claims to have formed evaluation units to verify work activity. Mann said the update could become a nationwide model if properly handled. He emphasised that enabling income from within homes may reduce migration pressure and support long-term stability. Locals hope the announcement will create new self-employment avenues, strengthening the foundation of rural life throughout coming years.
