Sparse MGNREGA man-days in Gomati district expose gaps in rural employment implementation under the 2025 Act, raising concerns over governance, planning inefficiencies, and delayed execution despite massive budget allocation and ambitious livelihood security targets.
Despite ambitious reforms under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, the ground-level implementation of rural employment schemes in Gomati district presents a troubling picture. Field data emerging from 173 Panchayats and Village Councils across eight blocks Tepaniya, Killa, Matabari, Kakraban, Amarpur, Ampi, Karbook, and Shilachari indicate a stark gap between policy intent and actual delivery of wage employment.
The Act, which promises a legal entitlement of 125 days of unskilled employment per rural household, backed by a substantial allocation of Rs. 95,692.31 crore in 2026–27, aims to strengthen livelihood security while promoting infrastructure and climate resilience. However, the current status in Gomati district suggests that these goals remain largely unfulfilled.
In Tepaniya block, comprising 19 villages, only two Barabhaiya and Purba Gokulpur reported marginal employment generation, with an average of just 3.5 and 4.69 person-days respectively. The overall block average stands at a mere 4.39 days, while the majority of villages are yet to record any progress. The situation is even more concerning in blocks like Shilachari and Ampi, where not a single menday has been generated so far in April.
Matabari block, with 36 Panchayats and Village Councils, shows limited activity, with only Adipur reporting an average of 11 man-days, leaving the rest entirely inactive. Similarly, Killa block reflects a complete absence of work generation across its 16 local bodies. In Karbook block, although an average of 10 man-days is reported, this is concentrated in only a handful of villages, indicating uneven distribution. Kakraban and Amarpur blocks also show minimal engagement, with averages of 8 man-days and limited participation from only a few Panchayats.
This uneven and inadequate generation of employment raises critical questions about administrative efficiency, planning gaps, and monitoring mechanisms at the grassroots level. When compared to the enhanced provisions under the Act, the current performance appears insufficient to meet even basic livelihood expectations of rural households.
The data sourced from the official government portal highlights not just delays but a systemic issue in translating policy into action. Experts argue that without timely project initiation, effective local governance, and stronger accountability, even the most progressive reforms risk losing their impact.
| Also Read: Opposition has habit of blocking women’s progress: CM
As Tripura aspires to align with national development goals, the situation in Gomati district serves as a reminder that budgetary expansion alone cannot guarantee success. Immediate corrective measures, including proactive planning, real-time monitoring, and capacity building at the Panchayat level, are essential to ensure that employment guarantees reach those who need them the most.
