Latest news with #MinistryofRuralDevelopment
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Finance ministry likely to approve 12% higher outlay for MGNREGS
NEW DELHI: The Finance Ministry is likely to approve a 12% hike in the outlay of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for five years, as demanded by the Ministry of Rural Development, sources said. Recent media reports have said that the MoRD has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for MGNREGS for five years until 2029-30 in its proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC). EFC is responsible for appraising and approving schemes with significant budgetary implications. Sources in the Finance Ministry said that the ministry may give a go ahead to the proposal and it will be finalised after Cabinet approval. In the previous five financial years from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the central fund amounted Rs 4.68 lakh crore for MGNREGS. For the 2024-25 financial year, the budget allocation for the MGNREGA was Rs 86,000 crore, same as what was spent on the scheme as per the revised estimate of 2024-2025. The findings of a recent report by LibTech India, showed that employment fell by 7.1% in 2024–25, despite an 8.6% rise in registered households, under the scheme. It showed only 7% households availed the promised 100 days of work under the MGNREGA scheme. It also pointed out that average workdays dropped by 4.3%, and 100-day completion households fell by 11.9%. While states with the sharpest employment drops included Odisha (34.8%), Tamil Nadu (25.1%), and Rajasthan (15.9%), Maharashtra (39.7%), Himachal Pradesh (14.8%), and Bihar (13.3%) showed gains.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Clear titles, quick loans, less fraud: What new property law can deliver
Buying a home is one of life's biggest milestones—but in India, registering that dream property often means battling bureaucracy, missing work, and wading through stacks of paperwork. The Draft Registration Bill, 2025, proposed by the Ministry of Rural Development, promises to turn this headache into a smooth, digital-first experience for millions of Indian homebuyers. What is the Draft Registration Bill, 2025? It's a proposed law by the Government of India to modernize and digitize the property registration process. It replaces the century-old Registration Act of 1908 with a tech-driven, online-first system aimed at making property transactions faster, safer, and more transparent. How will it benefit me as a homebuyer? You can register property online—no need to visit sub-registrar offices. Less paperwork, quicker processes, and fewer middlemen. Stronger legal safeguards through mandatory digital records. Faster home loan approvals with easy document access for banks. "For homebuyers, the bill introduces a streamlined and legally secure registration process. It enables digital execution of sale deeds, Aadhaar-based authentication, and integration with land and municipal records — eliminating the need for physical presence at sub-registrar offices. This is particularly advantageous for NRIs, elderly individuals, and working professionals. For instance, a buyer in Bengaluru can now complete the entire registration process remotely, including document submission and digital signing, without engaging intermediaries or navigating bureaucratic delays. This not only enhances transactional efficiency but also instils greater confidence in the integrity of the property title," said Yash Joglekar, Counsel, Bombay High Court. What documents will need to be registered digitally? Agreement to sell Power of attorney Mortgage deeds Sale certificates These must now be registered digitally, improving traceability and legal validity. No more long queues at the Registrar's Office Under the new law, homebuyers will be able to register their properties online, eliminating the need for physical visits, long wait times, and time-consuming paper processes. Real-life example: Rahul and Priya, a working couple in Gurugram, once took an entire day off to register their flat—only to spend 8 hours at a crowded office and still leave empty-handed. With the new system, they'll soon be able to complete the process digitally from their home or office—no missed meetings, no red tape. "Registration Bill will make the registration process more convenient and accessible for home buyers, reducing the need for physical visits to registration offices, and avoiding queues and red tape. This also reduces paperwork, eliminates delays, and enhances the overall efficiency of property transaction," said Karan Sharma, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas Faster Home Loan Approvals with Digitally Verified Documents The Bill will allow banks and lenders instant access to validated property records—making it easier for them to approve home loans quickly and reducing rejections due to documentation errors. Currently, lenders must manually verify each sale deed and legal document. With all records available digitally, banks can check everything in seconds, speeding up loan approvals. "Currently while sanctioning the loans of individual home buyers, financial institutions verify the property documents executed for the property including multiple sale deeds/ agreements to sell, which creates hassle in finding or locating all the documents. With the provision of digital records, all records of a property will be accessible to the financial institutions at the blink and will help in streamlining the process of loan processing," said Sharma. Clearer Property Descriptions, Fewer Boundary Disputes The Bill mandates detailed mapping and descriptions of properties using official surveys and maps—making it easier for you to know exactly what you're buying, and reducing the risk of fraud or legal disputes. Common issue solved: Vague or outdated title documents often cause boundary fights between neighbours. With the new law, properties must be described with precision—making title disputes a thing of the past. "Any home buyers enter to a legal battle with their neighbours because the property boundaries in their title documents (including the antecedent documents) were imprecisely defined or were incorrect. With the requirement of detailed property description, the chances of these boundary related disputes will gradually become talk of the past," said Sharma. Greater Legal Protection Through Mandatory Digital Records Agreements to sell, powers of attorney, and mortgages will all need to be digitally registered. This creates tamper-proof digital trails, making fraud harder and legal enforcement easier. Under current rules, unregistered powers of attorney can be misused to illegally sell a property. The new Bill closes this loophole, protecting both sellers and buyers. " By mandating the online registration of instruments such as agreements to sell, powers of attorney, and equitable mortgages, it replaces a colonial-era regime with a technology-driven system. This transition is expected to reduce procedural inefficiencies, enhance the evidentiary value of registered documents, and mitigate the risk of fraudulent conveyancing. For example, under the existing regime, an unregistered power of attorney could be misused to unlawfully transfer property. The proposed bill mandates digital registration of such instruments, thereby creating a verifiable and tamper-proof record that strengthens legal enforceability and reduces litigation exposure," said Joglekar. Remote Registration for NRIs, Seniors & Busy Professionals The draft law supports Aadhaar-based authentication, e-signatures, and integration with land records, allowing buyers across India—and NRIs abroad—to complete the full process without stepping foot in an office. Example: An NRI buyer in Dubai or a retired parent in Jaipur can complete a property transaction in Bengaluru entirely online, without the need for intermediaries. Bill helps prevent property fraud The Bill mandates digital registration of agreements to sell, which helps prevent fraud like multiple sale agreements for the same property. Since these agreements will now be traceable in a public digital database, buyers can verify ownership history and reduce the risk of being misled. It also links the registration system with other record-keeping bodies like land and municipal departments, streamlining access to property data and improving transparency across the board. "For example, enabling digital registering of 'agreement to sell' can help prevent fraudulent practices and transactions where multiple sale agreements for the same property are executed with different buyers, since digital records will easily be traceable and accessible to the public. Additionally, the recommendation to link the registration system with other record-keeping agencies will certainly provide data efficiency and streamline the access to property related documents," said Pranav Bhaskar, Partner & Head of Corporate Practice, SKV Law Offices Watch Out for Cybersecurity Risks Experts warn that as we move to a digital-first registration process, cybersecurity must be a priority. Property data like contact details or sale values could become targets for data breaches if strong safeguards aren't implemented. " While authentication related fraud risk is significantly reduced, this Draft Legislation by digitalising the procedure of registry has also introduced a new, and ever-evolving threat of cyber-fraud. According to the annual reports published by the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (the 'CERT-In'), there was a sharp rise in cyber security incidents between year 2022 and 2023. For example, data breaches and illegal data mining remain the most prominent threats to digitalisation, since specific transaction related data such as, homebuyer's contact details, property details, or any available financial details may be compromised due to breach and exploited by cybercriminals. This will make the homebuyers a target for scam calls, or systemic sophisticated fraudulent schemes such as, identity theft or a financial scam," said Bhaskar. Is the bill final? Can I give feedback? Not yet. The Government is accepting public feedback till June 25, 2025. If you're a homebuyer, lawyer, banker, or simply interested in how your property rights are managed, you can submit suggestions via the Ministry of Rural Development's official website.
The Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- The Wire
Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report The Wire Staff 7 minutes ago A report by Indian Express finds that the Ministry of Rural Development has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for the scheme for five years until 2029-30. Representative image of a labourer at work in Rajasthan. Photo: Eric Parker/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: Despite the Union government's consistent efforts to underplay the primacy of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, a report by Indian Express finds that the Ministry of Rural Development has sought an increased outlay – of Rs 5.23 lakh crore – for the scheme for five years until 2029-30. The report makes public findings from the rural development ministry's May 15 proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee, that functions under the finance ministry and appraises all government schemes and projects. The report says that the outlay for five years till 2029-2030 is nearly 12% higher than the Union government's release of Rs 4.68 lakh crore for MGNREGS during the previous five financial years, from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025. In the Union Budget 2025, the Narendra Modi government allocated Rs 86,000 crore to the United Progressive Alliance-era scheme – the same amount as what was spent on the scheme as per the Revised Estimate of 2024-2025. Rs 86,000 crore is also the exact amount that was promised in the Union Budget of 2024-25, presented in July, 2024, after the National Democratic Government came back to power. The Wire has reported earlier how in an indication of fresh economic strain in rural India, demand for unskilled work under the MGNREGS has seen an increase in April and May this year, according to the data from the same rural development ministry. As many as 20.12 million rural households were among those who sought employment under the scheme in April. The figure slightly increased to 20.37 million in May, till the 18th of the month. The Express report notes that release of funds under the scheme had peaked at Rs 1,09,810 crore in 2020-21, the first full year after COVID-19 outbreak. A record 7.55 crore rural families availed themselves of the scheme. The report also quoted sources in the government as having said that the EFC appraisal and approval is part of government's exercise to evaluate and approve its schemes for the next Finance Commission cycle. The MGNREGS is backed by law and therefore the EFC approval is 'just a formality,' the report said. The ministry's outlay is also subject to change, sources told the paper. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Why We Need Social Audits in the MGNREGS Demand For Work Under MGNREGS Goes Up, Actual Job Creation Declines: Report Cops Arrest Gujarat Minister's Second Son in Alleged MGNREGS Funds Scam Modi's Cult-Driven Foreign Outreach Efforts Have Left India Friendless Modi is Maun: How the Sudden Ceasefire Marred the Prime Minister's PR Script By Calling For the Boycott of Foreign Goods, Modi Contradicts Himself Facing Pushback, Derision and Anger, BJP Says News of Sindoor Distribution Plans 'Fake' 'Army Bowing at Modi ji's Feet': Why a Deputy CM's Gaffe Doesn't Bode Well Why Modi Won't Let Go of the BJP's Reins View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Rural ministry seeks 12% hike in outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for MGNREGS over 5 years
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for five years until 2029-30 in its May 15 proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee, The Indian Express has learnt. EFC is a panel under the Finance Ministry that appraises all government schemes and projects. The outlay for five years till 2029-30 is about 12 per cent higher than the Central release of Rs 4.68 lakh crore for MGNREGS during the previous five financial years, 2020-21 to 2024-25. The release had peaked at Rs 1,09,810 crore in 2020-21, the first full year after Covid outbreak. During this year, there was a spike in demand for work when a record 7.55 crore rural families availed the scheme, which became a safety net for migrants who returned to their villages after a national lockdown was imposed. The Central release progressively declined to Rs 85,680 crore in 2024-25, the lowest in the last five years. The number of families working under the scheme gradually dropped over the years — 7.25 crore in 2021-22; 6.18 crore in 2022-23; 5.99 crore in 2023-24; and 5.79 crore in 2024-25. In 2024-25, the total Central release was Rs 85,680 crore. The last three financial years (2022-23 to 2024-25) do not include MGNREGS beneficiaries' figures for West Bengal, where the scheme has been suspended since March 2022. Sources in the government said the EFC appraisal and approval is part of the Centre's exercise to evaluate and approve its schemes for the next Finance Commission cycle. The MGNREGS is backed by law and therefore the EFC approval is just a formality. The outlay proposed by the MoRD is just 'estimated' and is 'subject to change' as the MGNREGS is a demand-driven scheme, they said. The scheme is notified by different states and UTs under Section 4 of the MGNREG Act 2005, which says that 'every State Government shall, within six months from the date of commencement of this Act, by notification, make a Scheme, for providing not less than one hundred days of guaranteed employment in a financial year to every household in the rural areas covered under the Scheme and whose adult members, by application, volunteer to do unskilled manual work subject to the conditions laid down by or under this Act and in the Scheme…' Section 22 of the Act provides for funding patterns of the scheme. According to the Act, the Central government is responsible for paying 100 per cent cost of three components — wages, administrative expenses and Social Audit Units (SAUs) — and up to three-fourths of the material cost of the scheme, including payment of wages to skilled and semi-skilled workers, subject to provisions of Schedule II of the Act. The state governments are responsible for meeting the costs of the following: (a) cost of unemployment allowance payable under the scheme; (b) one-fourth of the material cost of the scheme, including payment of wages to skilled and semi-skilled workers, subject to provisions of Schedule II; (c) administrative expenses of the State Council. 'No change is proposed in the current funding pattern across all components,' a source told The Indian Express. The MGNREGS was launched in 200 most backward rural districts of the country in 2006-07 and was extended to an additional 130 districts during 2007-08; and to the entire country from financial year 2008-09. The MoRD has circulated the EFC note at a time when the government has set in motion the process of prioritising its schemes for the 16th finance cycle starting April 1 next year. The Ministry of Finance has told all ministries and departments that no Centrally Sponsored Scheme or Central Sector Scheme will be considered for continuation beyond March 31, 2026, unless a third-party evaluation of the scheme is carried out. According to the Finance Ministry, there are 54 Centrally Sponsored Schemes and 260 Central Sector Schemes, which have their terminal date of approval until March 31, 2026 and are likely to be submitted for re-appraisal. Harikishan Sharma, Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express' National Bureau, specializes in reporting on governance, policy, and data. He covers the Prime Minister's Office and pivotal central ministries, such as the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Rural Development, and Ministry of Jal Shakti. His work primarily revolves around reporting and policy analysis. In addition to this, he authors a weekly column titled "STATE-ISTICALLY SPEAKING," which is prominently featured on The Indian Express website. In this column, he immerses readers in narratives deeply rooted in socio-economic, political, and electoral data, providing insightful perspectives on these critical aspects of governance and society. ... Read More
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Minister Waneoroa Opens CDF Governance Workshop For Constituency Officers In Honiara
Press Release – Solomon Islands MRD The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. The Minister for the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), Honourable Member of Parliament Daniel Waneoroa this morning officially opens the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) Governance Training workshop and Program Implementation, welcoming 150 Constituency officers and 50 Constituency Development Committee (CDC) Secretaries members to the 4-days sessions in Honiara. The workshop is one of the key priority activities under MRD annual work plan for this year with the sole objective to; capacitate constituency officers with foundational knowledge on the CDF Act 2023 and the CDF Governance Framework. In his official remarks, Hon. Minister Waneoroa said, that, as the Minister responsible for the Ministry, he has the biggest task of overseeing and ensuring the delivery of the SIG largest development budget and its projects under the Constituency Program. 'This is a task that I will ensure we all work together to achieve. You all present here today play a major role to achieving and successfully deliver this program. 'As I alluded to in my response to the Speech from the Throne in the current Parliament meeting, this workshop and other activities related to the national Government's policy will guide the MRD's work program for this year and the coming ones,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa emphasized. The minister outlined that under the GNUT Policy Statement and specific to the Section 8.3 on the Resource Sector, MRD is mandated to work on the following policy areas: • Strengthen processes to improve accountability and transparency in administering CDF funds to ensure compliance with CDF Act 2023 and Public Finance Management Act and Regulations; • Promote and utilize constituency funds to decentralize development activities and improve rural livelihood and services; • Review and implement policies and legislation to strengthen constituency development and services; • Prioritize the establishments of Constituency Development Growth Centers (CDGC) in constituencies to decentralize development activities and provide government services to rural areas; and • Implement relevant organizational and functional restructuring within the ministry to align with relevant provisions of the CDF Act 2023. Hon. Minister Waneoroa told the participating officers that the introduction of the CDF Act 2023 necessitates the importance of building our capacities to work on and familiarise ourselves with the changes brought about both in the legislative and administrative aspects of our program. 'Being strategic within this new legal framework as a Ministry and making ourselves relevant in the whole of the government system is important. Thus, everything that we do today either through this workshop or other community-based trainings and administrative guidelines provided by MRD is important for our area of work and to achieving the policy directions of the national government.' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said that 'capacity development for all constituency officers in the critical areas required to improve effective and efficient service delivery in the rural communities will be prioritised for all constituency officers.' The training workshop is purposely designed to achieve the following key outcomes: • Participants will be able to explain the key provisions of the CDF Act 2023 and how it governs constituency development, ensuring compliance with legal and accountability requirements. • participate in the review of the draft of the CDF Act 2023 Regulations and provide informed feedback to ensure that constituency perspectives are incorporated into the final document. • broaden the understanding in the structure, roles, and responsibilities of the Constituency Development Committee (CDC) under the CDF Act 2023 and apply this knowledge in constituency governance. • Participants will be able to identify and use the mandatory templates and the development of constituency plans and reports. • Briefed on the implementation guidelines for PRC RSDP Phase Two and other related future matters on this funding. • Be able to design and implement effective civic-awareness initiatives and communications guideline and methods to improve public understanding of the CDF program and its regulatory framework. 'My good officers, as you go through the various topics of training over the next 4 days, I appeal to you to make good use of this opportunity to learn as much as you can. 'I hope that through this workshop you will develop skills and acquire knowledge which will support you to deliver your work more productively with our constituents and for our rural people,' Hon. Minister Waneoroa said. He thanked everyone for making all efforts to attend this important training and also conveyed well wishes to everyone for a successful training.
