The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a transformative initiative by the Government of India, designed to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by guaranteeing wage employment. Enacted in 2005, this scheme assures a minimum of 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households willing to engage in unskilled manual work.
Contents
- 1 What is MGNREGA?
- 2 How to Register for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Job Card?
- 3 NREGA Registration Process
- 4 How to Download an NREGA Job Card Using the UMANG App: Online Process?
- 5 Offline Process to Download an NREGA Job Card
- 6 How to Check NREGA Job Card List 2025 (State-Wise)
- 7 How to Check NREGA Payment Status at the Official NREGA Portal?
- 8 How to Check NREGA Payment Status on the PFMS Portal?
- 9 Work Categories and Projects Under MGNREGA
- 10 Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Wage Payment System
- 11 MGNREGA Helpline and Contact Information
- 12 MGNREGA Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
What is MGNREGA?
MGNREGA, launched on February 2, 2006, is a demand-driven employment scheme. Unlike earlier initiatives, it establishes the “right to work” as a legal entitlement for rural households. By involving local governance structures, it ensures transparency and accountability while focusing on sustainable development.
Key Features of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA
- Rights-Based Approach: Guarantees wage employment as a legal right.
- Demand-Driven: Employment is provided based on requests from households.
- Self-Targeting: Attracts marginalized groups who need employment.
- Decentralized Planning: Gram Panchayats play a central role in project selection and implementation.
- Transparency Mechanisms: Includes provisions for social audits and real-time management through the MIS.
Objectives of NREGA
- Provide livelihood security through guaranteed wage employment.
- Build durable assets for rural development.
- Foster empowerment and social inclusion, especially for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Promote water and soil conservation, afforestation, and rural infrastructure.
How to Register for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Job Card?
Before checking the registration process for NREGA job card, let’s understand the eligibility and documents required to register for MGNREGA.
Eligibility of MGNREGA
Any rural household whose members are willing to perform unskilled manual labor is eligible. This includes adults aged 18 years and above.
Required Documents for MGNREGA
- Residence proof (e.g., ration card, electricity bill).
- Identity proof for all adult members (Aadhaar card or voter ID).
- Two passport-sized photographs (optional).
NREGA Registration Process
Registration for a job card under the MGNREGA scheme to get the benefit of employment can be done online and offline. The offline method includes visiting the Gram Panchayat office and the online method includes visiting UMANG portal. Check the detailed process below:
MGNREGA Registration Via Gram Panchayat:
- Visit the local Gram Panchayat office.
- Submit the required documents and fill out the application form.
- Obtain the Job Card within 15 days of application.
MGNREGA Registration Online via UMANG Portal:
You can apply for an NREGA Job Card online through the UMANG platform. Follow the steps below to complete your registration:
Step 1: Access the UMANG Platform
- Open the UMANG app on your mobile device or visit the official UMANG website (https://umang.gov.in).
Step 2: Log In or Register
- If you are a new user, create an account by registering with your mobile number, OTP, or MPin.
- If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.
Step 3: Search for MGNREGA
- Use the search box to find MGNREGA services, or select it directly from the Recently Used Services list on the dashboard.
Step 4: Apply for a Job Card
- From the available options, click on “Apply for Job Card.”
Step 5: Provide Basic Details
- Enter the following information in the form:
- Caste
- Address
- State
- Block
- Panchayat
- Father’s or Husband’s Name
- Ration Card Number
- Once completed, click “Next.”
Step 6: Complete the Application Form
- Fill in additional details such as:
- Name
- Gender
- Age
- Disability Status (if applicable)
- Mobile Number
- Aadhaar Card Number
- Upload a recent photograph of yourself to complete this section.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
- Click on “Apply for Job Card” to finalize your application.
- Upon successful submission, you will receive a reference number for tracking.
- Once the job card is ready, you will be notified, and your NREGA Job Card Number will be provided.
Details Required for NREGA Job Card Registration
When filling out the registration form, you will need to provide the following details:
- Applicant’s Name
- Permanent Address
- Bank Account Details
- Income Information
- Caste Details
- Contact Information
- Ration Card Number
- Landholding Information (if applicable)
This simple process ensures that individuals can apply for an NREGA Job Card conveniently from their homes, making the scheme more accessible to rural households.
How to Download an NREGA Job Card Using the UMANG App: Online Process?
Follow these steps to download your NREGA Job Card through the UMANG platform:
Step 1: Access the UMANG Platform
- Open the UMANG app on your mobile device or visit the official UMANG website (https://umang.gov.in).
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In
- New Users: Register using your mobile number, and follow the prompts to create an OTP or MPin.
- Registered Users: Log in with your existing credentials.
Step 3: Search for MGNREGA
- Use the search bar to look for “MGNREGA” or find it under the Recently Used Services section.
Step 4: Navigate to Services
- After selecting the MGNREGA service, a page will display four options:
- Apply for Job Card
- Download Job Card
- Track Job Card Status
- FAQs
- Click on “Download Job Card.”
Step 5: Enter Job Card Information
- On the new page, enter your reference number or job card number in the required field.
Step 6: Download Your Job Card
- After entering the necessary information, click “Download.”
- Your NREGA Job Card will be downloaded for use.
Offline Process to Download an NREGA Job Card
If you prefer to download your NREGA Job Card offline, follow these steps:
- Visit Your Gram Panchayat Office
- Go to the local Gram Panchayat office in your village.
- Request an Employment Card Application Form
- Ask for the application form for an employment card.
- Fill in the Required Details
- Provide complete and accurate information, including:
- Name
- Age
- Gender
- Address
- Family Member Details
- Provide complete and accurate information, including:
- Attach Supporting Documents
- Include the following documents:
- Identification Proof: Voter ID, Aadhaar card, etc.
- Proof of Residence: Utility bill, ration card, etc.
- Photographs: Passport-sized photos.
- Include the following documents:
- Submit the Application
- Hand over the filled application form along with the required documents to the Gram Panchayat office.
- Verification Process
- Gram Panchayat officials will verify the information and documents you have submitted.
- Receive Your Job Card
- Once your details are verified, your job card will be issued.
- Depending on the local government’s process, this may take a few days to a few weeks.
- Collect Your Job Card
- Visit the Gram Panchayat office to collect your job card after approval.
By following these steps, you can access your NREGA Job Card either online or offline, ensuring ease and flexibility in the process.
How to Check NREGA Job Card List 2025 (State-Wise)
Follow these steps to access the NREGA Job Card List for 2025:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Navigate to the NREGA website.
- Scroll to the Quick Access section on the homepage and click on it.
Step 2: Log in to Panchayat Portal
- From the Quick Access Menu, select “Panchayats GP/PS/ZP Login.”
Step 3: Select Gram Panchayat
- Choose the “Gram Panchayats” option and then click on “Generate Reports.”
- From the dropdown menu, select your state.
Step 4: Enter Your Details
- On the next page, provide your information, including the district, block, and Gram Panchayat name.
Step 5: View Panchayat List
- Locate your Gram Panchayat from the displayed list under the Panchayat Section.
Step 6: Find Your Job Card
- Once the required details are filled in, click “Proceed.”
- Navigate to “Job Card / Registration” and then select “Job Card/Employment Register.” Search for your name in the list.
Details Included in an NREGA Job Card
- Job Card Number: Unique identifier for each registered household.
- Name: Name of the cardholder.
- State: The state where the individual resides.
- Panchayat: The specific Panchayat associated with the cardholder.
- Application Status: Current status of the job card application.
State Wise Link to Check NREGA Job Card List
NREGA Job Card Status Indicators
Color | Description |
Green | Job card with photo, employment availed. |
Gray | Job card with photo, no employment availed. |
Sunflower | Job card without photo, employment availed. |
Red | Job card without photo, no employment availed. |
How to Check NREGA Payment Status at the Official NREGA Portal?
To check the status of your NREGA payment, follow these step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Access the Official NREGA Website
- Open your browser and navigate to the official NREGA portal at nrega.nic.in.
Step 2: Choose Your State/UT
- On the homepage, locate and click on the “Select State/UT” option.
- A dropdown menu will appear. Select your state or union territory from the list provided.
Step 3: Select Your District
- After selecting the state, a new menu will prompt you to choose a district.
- Click on the name of your district from the displayed list.
Step 4: Choose Your Block
- A list of blocks will appear on the next page.
- Click on the block relevant to your area of residence or preference.
Step 5: Choose Your Panchayat
- The next step will display a list of Panchayats under the selected block.
- Select your Gram Panchayat by clicking on its name.
Step 6: Open Gram Panchayat Reports
- Once you select your Panchayat, the “Gram Panchayat Reports” page will appear.
- Under the section titled “R1. Job Card/Registration”, click on the “Job Card/ Employment Register” link.
Step 7: View the List of Job Cards
- A complete list of individuals with their Job Card Numbers will be displayed.
- Locate your name in the list and identify the associated Job Card Number.
Step 8: Open Job Card Details
- Click on your Job Card Number to view detailed information.
Step 9: Check Payment Status
- Within the Job Card Details page, find the specific work name.
- Click on it to access the payment details and check the status.
How to Check NREGA Payment Status on the PFMS Portal?
Alternatively, you can also verify your payment status through the PFMS portal. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the PFMS Website
- Go to the official PFMS portal at pfms.nic.in.
Step 2: Access the DBT Status Tracker
- On the homepage, locate the “Payment Status” section.
- Click on the “DBT Status Tracker” option.
Step 3: Select the NREGA Category
- In the “Category” dropdown, choose “NREGA”.
Step 4: Enter Required Information
- Provide the necessary details, including:
- Bank Name
- Application ID
- Beneficiary Code
- Account Number
Step 5: Complete Word Verification
- Enter the captcha code (Word Verification) displayed on the screen.
Step 6: Verify Details and Search
- Double-check all the details you have entered.
- Click on the “Search” button.
Step 7: View Payment Status
- The payment status for your NREGA application will appear on the screen.
- Review the details to confirm the status of your payment.
By following these instructions, you can easily track your NREGA payment status on either the NREGA or PFMS portal.
Work Categories and Projects Under MGNREGA
MGNREGA promotes holistic rural development by undertaking projects that benefit the community and environment. Examples include:
- Water Conservation: Construction of trenches, check dams, and rainwater harvesting structures.
- Drought Proofing: Afforestation and tree planting.
- Flood Control: Drainage management and embankment repairs.
- Rural Connectivity: Development of village roads and culverts.
- Sanitation: Construction of toilets and solid waste management systems.
- Livelihood Support: Creating fish drying yards, poultry shelters, and farm ponds.
- Other Projects: Initiatives proposed and approved by local communities.
Gram Panchayats are responsible for implementing at least 50% of these works.
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Wage Payment System
MGNREGA ensures timely and transparent payment of wages directly to beneficiaries’ bank or post office accounts.
State-Wise MGNREGA Wage Rates (2024-25)
State | MGNREGA Wages 2023-24 | 2024-25 | % Change |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands* | 311-328 | 329-347 | 5.7 |
Andhra Pradesh | 272 | 300 | 10.3 |
Arunachal Pradesh | 224 | 234 | 4.5 |
Assam | 238 | 249 | 4.6 |
Bihar | 228 | 245 | 7.5 |
Chhattisgarh | 221 | 243 | 10.0 |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli | 297 | 324 | 9.1 |
Daman and Diu | 297 | 324 | 9.1 |
Goa | 322 | 356 | 10.6 |
Gujarat | 256 | 280 | 9.4 |
Haryana | 357 | 374 | 4.8 |
HP** | 224-280 | 236-295 | 5.4 |
Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh | 244 | 259 | 6.1 |
Jharkhand | 228 | 245 | 7.5 |
Karnataka | 316 | 349 | 10.4 |
Kerala | 333 | 346 | 3.9 |
Lakshadweep | 304 | 315 | 3.6 |
Madhya Pradesh | 221 | 243 | 10.0 |
Maharashtra | 273 | 297 | 8.8 |
Manipur | 260 | 272 | 4.6 |
Meghalaya | 238 | 259 | 8.8 |
Mizoram | 249 | 266 | 6.8 |
Nagaland | 224 | 234 | 4.5 |
Odisha | 237 | 254 | 7.2 |
Puducherry | 294 | 319 | 8.5 |
Punjab | 303 | 322 | 6.3 |
Rajasthan | 255 | 266 | 4.3 |
Sikkim | 236 | 249 | 5.5 |
Tamil Nadu | 294 | 319 | 8.5 |
Telangana | 272 | 300 | 10.3 |
Tripura | 226 | 242 | 7.1 |
Uttar Pradesh | 230 | 237 | 3.0 |
Uttarakhand | 230 | 237 | 3.0 |
West Bengal | 237 | 250 | 5.5 |
Note: Wage rates vary annually based on inflation and state policies.
Delay in MGNREGA Payments
If wages are delayed beyond 15 days of work completion, workers are entitled to compensation under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936.
MGNREGA Helpline and Contact Information
For queries and grievances, contact the Ministry of Rural Development:
Address: Krishi Bhavan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi – 110001, India.
Website: nrega.nic.in.
MGNREGA State-specific helpline numbers and email addresses
State/UT | Mobile | Phone / Fax | |
---|---|---|---|
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR | 9434260446 | 03192-239150 | dirrdpriulb[@]a&n[dot]nic[dot]in |
ANDHRA PRADESH | 040-23296790 | ||
ANDHRA PRADESH | 9652220228 | 040-23241338 | vidyasagarkoppolu[@]yahoo[dot]com |
ARUNACHAL PRADESH | 9436058433 | sanjibifonrega[@]gmail[dot]com | |
ASSAM | 9365084182 | mgnregamisassam[@]gmail[dot]com | |
BIHAR | 9430059457 | Pranavkc[@]gmail[dot]com | |
BIHAR | 9431818391 | akd1959[@]gmail[dot]com | |
CHHATTISGARH | 9893045347 | 07712960314 | virendrakumar[dot]bagh[@]gmail[dot]com |
GOA (North) | 9764599548 | 0832-2702397 | |
GOA (South) | 9850783469 | nrega[dot]sgoa[@]gmail[dot]com | |
GUJARAT | 8128677051 | yogirajshete[@]gmail[dot]com | |
GUJARAT | 8128676333 | gvsk59[dot]08[@]gmail[dot]com | |
HARYANA | 18001802023 | 0172-2709098 | drd[@]hry[dot]nic[dot]in |
HIMACHAL PRADESH | 9418175934 | 0177-2627919 | sddlinkachal[@]gmail[dot]com |
JAMMU AND KASHMIR | 9697004541, 9596374541 | brainyexplorer[@]gmail[dot]com | |
JHARKHAND | 9471714164 | statemisnodaloff[dot]jhr[@]gmail[dot]com | |
KARNATAKA | 9480866666 | karnregs[@]gmail[dot]com | |
KARNATAKA | 9480850066 | 080-22372738 | karnregs[dot]office[@]gmail[dot]com |
KARNATAKA | 9480850070 | kara[dot]efms[@]gmail[dot]com | |
KARNATAKA | 9480850060 | nregs-ka[@]nic[dot]in | |
KERALA | 9061466645 | 0471 2313385 | itpnregakerala[@]gmail[dot]com |
MADHYA PRADESH | 9584724501 | ||
MAHARASHTRA | 9860252451 | mahaefms2013[@]gmail[dot]com | |
MAHARASHTRA | 9987017231 | uidsuneel[@]gmail[dot]com | |
MAHARASHTRA | 9604444777 | 022-22025349 | |
MAHARASHTRA | 7875391838 | ssudhir31[@]rediffmail[dot]com | |
MANIPUR | 9436027946 | 0385-2445820 | irams22[@]gmail[dot]com |
MANIPUR | 9862782699 | manipur[dot]mgnrega[@]gmail[dot]com | |
MEGHALAYA | 9612170942 | 0364-2504167, 2504171 | megnregacell[@]gmail[dot]com |
MIZORAM | 9436197672 | 0389-2319743 | hminga_sailo[@]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in |
MIZORAM | 0389-2336045 (office), 0389-2313950 | ||
MIZORAM | 8794039944 | helenzzote[@]gmail[dot]com | |
NAGALAND | 9436000417 | 0370-2270419 | gwasinlo[@]yahoo[dot]com |
ORISSA | 9777956263 | 0674-2393859 (0) | geetanjalimishra_55[@]yahoo[dot]com |
ORISSA | 9437948218 | 0674-2392858 (0) | srimant[dot]samal[@]yahoo[dot]in |
PUNJAB | 9814464009 | 0172-5098161 | kattalvikas[@]gmail[dot]com |
RAJASTHAN | 0141-5116614, 2227956 | nrega[dot]raj[@]gmail[dot]com | |
RAJASTHAN | 9529223304 | egsmis[dot]bha[@]gmail[dot]com | |
SIKKIM | 9434445295 | nepal[dot]tulshi[@]gmail[dot]com | |
TAMILNADU | 044-24321486 | mgnregs[dot]drd[@]gmail[dot]com | |
TELANGANA | 040-27650041 | ||
TRIPURA | 9436168464 | 0381-2415584 | amitabha[dot]datta[@]nic[dot]in |
TRIPURA | 9436131067 | 0381-2414053 | ak[dot]dc[@]nic[dot]in |
UTTAR PRADESH | 9454465001 | upregs[@]yahoo[dot]co[dot]in | |
UTTRANCHAL | 9412939946 | 0135-2714529, 2711055 | rajputak[@]rediffmail[dot]com |
WEST BENGAL | 8697748391 | 033-22314083 | dba[dot]wbnrega[@]gmail[dot]com |
MGNREGA Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
- Social Audits: Conducted by Gram Sabhas to review and verify MGNREGA works and expenditures.
- Management Information System (MIS): Tracks real-time data on employment, work status, and payments.
- Helpline Numbers: Each state has dedicated helplines to address grievances.
- Unemployment Allowance: If work is not provided within 15 days of demand, beneficiaries receive a compensation allowance.
Achievements of MGNREGA
- Livelihood Security: Generated billions of person-days of employment annually.
- Women’s Empowerment: Women constitute nearly 50% of the workforce under MGNREGA.
- Infrastructure Development: Created durable assets like roads, irrigation canals, and community halls.
- Environmental Benefits: Enhanced water conservation and afforestation efforts.
- Inclusive Growth: Promoted social equity by uplifting marginalized communities.
MGNREGA has transformed rural India by creating livelihood opportunities, empowering marginalized groups, and fostering sustainable development. While challenges persist, its robust framework ensures accountability and inclusiveness. By addressing existing gaps, MGNREGA can continue to uplift rural communities and contribute significantly to India’s socio-economic growth.