Government relaxes MGNREGA norms to expedite repair of damaged rural infrastructure: CM

SHIMLA 4th September, २०२५

In view of the widespread destruction caused by the ongoing monsoon, the Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to relax norms under MGNREGS to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation. This would allow additional works to be undertaken as per actual demand for employment in rural areas, particularly for the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the State has suffered massive loss due to cloudbursts, incessant rains, flash floods and landslides, which have severely impacted agriculture, horticulture, livestock and rural infrastructure. He assured that the Government was committed to extend all possible support to the affected people.

To accelerate restoration, Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to approve new works under MGNREGA without waiting for prior approval from gram sabha. Ex-post facto approval from gram sabha, panchayat samiti and zila parishad would be obtained later keeping in view the practical impossibility of holding such meeting during the prevailing weather conditions.

The Chief Minister further said that Deputy Commissioners can now sanction all categories of works, including land development projects, by relaxing the earlier cap of 20 works per gram panchayat. In addition, the financial ceiling for individual work of land development projects has been increased from rupees one lakh to rupees two lakh per beneficiary.

Shri Sukhu said that this initiative would not only help rebuild damaged rural infrastructure but also generate much-needed employment opportunities for the rural population during this challenging period. He said that the state government was making every effort to support people in distress.