“Uttar Pradesh’s Employment Guarantee Scheme is transforming lives by providing assured work to rural and urban workers. With real-time data showing increased job opportunities and timely wage payments, the initiative aligns with MGNREGA and other state programs, fostering economic stability. Challenges like funding and digital access persist, but the scheme’s impact on employment and infrastructure development is undeniable.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Job Guarantee Program Empowers Workers
In a bid to bolster employment opportunities, Uttar Pradesh has ramped up its Employment Guarantee Scheme, aligning with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) while introducing state-specific measures to support both rural and urban workers. As of August 2025, official data from the UP Rural Development Department indicates that over 2.5 crore households have benefited from the scheme, with 1.8 crore active job cards issued. The program guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual work annually to rural households, focusing on projects like road construction, water conservation, and afforestation.
The state has integrated digital tools to streamline operations. The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) ensures real-time attendance tracking, though challenges like poor mobile connectivity in remote areas have led to worker complaints. In urban areas, the scheme complements the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), offering skill development and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities. In 2024-25, UP allocated ₹15,000 crore to the scheme, a 12% increase from the previous year, reflecting the government’s commitment to employment generation.
Wage payments have seen improvements, with 85% of workers receiving funds within 15 days, as per the Ministry of Rural Development. The current minimum wage in UP under MGNREGA is ₹230 per day, revised in April 2025. However, activists from NREGA Sangharsh Morcha highlight persistent issues, including delayed payments and the exclusion of workers due to mandatory Aadhaar-based payment systems. Over 10 lakh job cards were deleted in 2024-25 due to discrepancies, raising concerns about access for vulnerable groups.
The scheme’s urban component has gained traction, with 5 lakh workers trained under NULM in 2025 alone. Self-help groups (SHGs) have empowered women, with 60% of urban beneficiaries being female. Infrastructure projects, such as rural road networks and irrigation channels, have created 3 crore person-days of work in the past year. Yet, funding constraints remain a hurdle, with advocacy groups demanding a budget of ₹20,000 crore to meet rising demand.
The UP government has also introduced performance-linked incentives for districts achieving high employment targets. Varanasi and Lucknow topped the list in 2025, generating over 50 lakh person-days each. Despite progress, rural workers in districts like Bahraich face challenges due to inadequate worksite facilities. The state is exploring public-private partnerships to enhance skill training and job placement, aiming to reduce dependency on manual labor.
Disclaimer: This article is based on real-time data from the UP Rural Development Department, Ministry of Rural Development, and reports from NREGA Sangharsh Morcha. Additional insights are drawn from trusted sources like The Hindu and Economic Times. Information is subject to change as new data emerges.