The government has officially implemented the MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025, increasing daily wages for rural workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This decision comes as part of a broader push to enhance income security and provide relief from inflationary pressures for rural households. With the revised wages, every registered worker is now entitled to a higher daily income across all Indian states and union territories.
The MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025 brings substantial improvements in rural livelihoods, especially in economically vulnerable districts where job cards under the scheme serve as a primary source of income. This update is now live, and new wage rates have been notified by the Ministry of Rural Development in coordination with respective state governments.
New MGNREGA Daily Wage Rates by State
The wage increase varies from state to state based on the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL). Here’s a state-wise breakdown of the revised daily wages under the MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025:
| State/UT | Revised Daily Wage (INR) | Increase from 2024 (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹285 | +₹18 |
| Bihar | ₹225 | +₹15 |
| Chhattisgarh | ₹230 | +₹14 |
| Gujarat | ₹260 | +₹17 |
| Jharkhand | ₹228 | +₹13 |
| Karnataka | ₹290 | +₹20 |
| Kerala | ₹330 | +₹25 |
| Maharashtra | ₹275 | +₹19 |
| Odisha | ₹240 | +₹16 |
| Rajasthan | ₹295 | +₹21 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹290 | +₹18 |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹230 | +₹14 |
| West Bengal | ₹255 | +₹16 |
The MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025 ensures that even the lowest daily wage in the country has been raised, offering immediate economic relief to crores of workers involved in rural employment projects like road building, pond excavation, and plantation work.
How the New Wages Help Rural Communities
The increased wages are expected to have a positive impact on both household earnings and rural consumption. The MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025 benefits include:
-
Better income support for daily wage earners
-
Enhanced participation in rural development projects
-
Improved food security and living standards
-
Reduced seasonal migration to urban areas
States with higher rates like Kerala and Rajasthan will now see increased work participation as the scheme becomes even more attractive to job card holders.
Implementation and Fund Allocation
The government has already disbursed additional funds to support the wage hike. States have been instructed to update job card databases and payment systems to reflect the new wage structures. Workers can expect the new rates to reflect in their next payout cycle as per the MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025 order.
Highlights of implementation:
-
Electronic muster rolls updated
-
Wage payments processed via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer)
-
Weekly work availability ensured under the 100-day work guarantee
-
Field officers assigned to monitor wage disbursements
Special focus is also being given to timely payments and transparency, with biometric verification at work sites and tracking of hours worked using mobile apps.
FAQs
What is the MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025?
It is the official increase in daily wages for workers under the MGNREGA scheme across all Indian states and UTs, effective from April 2025.
Which state offers the highest daily wage under MGNREGA in 2025?
Kerala currently offers the highest daily wage at ₹330, followed by Rajasthan and Karnataka.
How are MGNREGA wages calculated?
They are based on the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and adjusted annually by the central government.
When will the increased wages be paid?
The increased wages will reflect in the next payout cycle following official state notifications and fund disbursement.
Do job card holders need to reapply to receive the increased wages?
No, existing job card holders will automatically receive the updated wage as per the MGNREGA Wage Hike 2025 structure.
Click here to know more.