Tripura outperformed the national average in MGNREGA mandays generation in 2024–25, ranking seventh in India. With 60 mandays per worker, steady wage payments, and rising women’s participation, the state highlights rural employment success and water conservation achievements.
Tripura has outperformed the national average in mandays generation under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the last financial year, marking another milestone in rural development. According to officials from the Rural Development Department, the state recorded an average of 60 mandays per labour card holder in 2024–25, compared to the national average of 50 mandays.
Mandays Allocation and Performance
The Union government had initially allocated 3 crore mandays to Tripura for the financial year 2024–25. However, the state government not only met this target but also surpassed it, successfully generating 3.53 crore mandays. This achievement positioned Tripura in the seventh spot among all states and Union Territories in mandays generation, a testament to the state’s effective implementation of the scheme.
For the ongoing financial year 2025–26, the Centre has allocated 3.5 crore mandays for Tripura. Officials noted that the number could rise further, depending on negotiations with the Union Ministry of Rural Development. So far, by September 29, 2025, the state has already generated 1.71 crore mandays, with each labour card holder securing 31 mandays as per demand.
Financial Flow and Wage Disbursement
Funding for MGNREGA has remained steady. Tripura has received Rs 548.18 crore from the Centre in the current fiscal year, of which Rs 505.83 crore has been disbursed as wages. Officials confirmed that the state is facing no financial crisis in implementing the scheme and continues to prioritize timely wage payments to workers.
MGNREGA: A National Success Story
The success in Tripura reflects broader achievements at the national level. Since 2014, the Union government has implemented policy changes in MGNREGA that have transformed it into the world’s largest social welfare programme. Over the last 11 years (2014–2025), the scheme has generated more than 3,000 crore person-days of employment nationwide, backed by an expenditure of about Rs 8.4 lakh crore.
A key highlight has been the rise in women’s participation, which has grown from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025, strengthening the role of women in rural economic activity.
Focus on Water Conservation and Rural Assets
MGNREGA has not only provided employment but also contributed to rural infrastructure and water security. Since 2014, over 1.25 crore water conservation assets — including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks — have been created across India. These efforts have significantly reduced the number of water-stressed rural blocks.
Additionally, under the ambitious Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated during the first phase of implementation. This has created a lasting impact on rural livelihoods, enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable water management.
Tripura’s Achievement in Perspective
Tripura’s steady progress in MGNREGA mandays generation underscores the state’s commitment to rural employment and poverty alleviation. By maintaining a higher-than-average performance compared to the national benchmark, Tripura has showcased how smaller states can effectively leverage central schemes to uplift rural communities.
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With continued financial support from the Centre, strong state-level implementation, and rising worker participation — especially among women — the state is expected to maintain its upward trajectory in mandays generation and rural asset creation in the coming years.
