Major Nrega Shift: Full Wages Now Granted For Home-Based Work As CM Mann Opens Treasury

Punjab News: NREGA workers will now be paid full daily wages even while working at home. This means they can repair floors, build toilets, fix roofs, or do basic construction without leaving their house. The government will record up to 90 days of home-based work and transfer Rs.31,140 directly to their accounts. This move supports labourers who struggle to work outside due to health or household responsibilities. It is being seen as a breakthrough for underprivileged families in rural Punjab.

Will Rural Families Gain Stability?

The new rule ensures poor households can improve their homes while earning income. Earlier, only government site work such as roads, ponds and plantation was covered under NREGA. Now labourers may build bunds, set up irrigation and even dig wells in their farmland while receiving wages. Experts say people will save money otherwise spent on labour. Those without outside work can depend on this scheme for survival. This could reduce migration and improve village standards.

Is Record Keeping Fully Transparent?

Officials will maintain complete work records for every registered NREGA cardholder. Payments will only be made through bank or post office accounts to avoid corruption. Each worker gets Rs.346 per day and a minimum of 100 workdays per year is guaranteed. If work isn’t arranged within 15 days, unemployment allowance will be given. The shift to verified home-based activity will require strict monitoring from local authorities to prevent misuse.

Are Women Getting Higher Priority?

At least 33 percent jobs under NREGA are reserved for women. With home-based work included, more women can now participate without leaving children behind. Facilities like drinking water, shade and first aid are compulsory at external worksites. For women with toddlers, creches are provided. This update is expected to increase their income and household contribution without affecting childcare duties. It can be a big confidence boost for rural women.

Can This Boost Rural Development?

By allowing people to improve their own homes and farms, the government hopes to strengthen rural infrastructure without extra contractors. Families will fix flooring, enhance sanitation and invest in water storage. These changes will directly raise hygiene and living conditions in villages. Farmers performing bund or canal work will build stronger agricultural capacity. Officials believe the scheme now doubles both development and employment.

Will Registration Process Stay Easy?

Registration for NREGA remains completely free. Anyone above 18 living in rural areas and ready for unskilled manual labour can apply. A job card is issued within 15 days of registration. Bhagwant Mann has urged all eligible citizens to sign up immediately. The scheme is open without caste or gender restriction. People say this update gives them dignity, not just support.

Is Government Ready For Monitoring?

Experts warn that without strict supervision, false records may surface. Punjab government claims to have set up tracking teams. CM Mann stated the decision will uplift thousands from poverty. He said empowering workers at home removes barriers from job access. Leaders expect a surge in registration numbers. Many believe this bold step can become a national model if implemented honestly.