MGNREGA Liabilities Surge in Jammu Kashmir: Pending Dues Cross Rs 307 Crore in Three Years | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Material liabilities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Jammu and Kashmir have risen sharply over the past three financial years, crossing Rs 307 crore, according to official data tabled in the Assembly.

The figures were provided in response to Un-Starred Assembly Question raised by MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, indicating that liabilities on account of the material component have accumulated to Rs 307.84 crore between 2022–23 and 2024–25. The data shows a steep escalation over the period, with liabilities increasing from Rs 13.64 crore in 2022–23 to Rs 84.14 crore in 2023–24, before rising further in 2024–25, which accounts for the largest share of the pending dues.

In Rajouri district, the liability burden is among the highest in the Union Territory, with blocks such as Budhal, Darhal and Rajouri reporting substantial pending amounts, each running into several crores, reflecting a sharp surge particularly in 2024–25.

Doda district also records significant liabilities, with major contributions from blocks including Bhagwah, Gundana and Marmat, all of which have accumulated dues in the range of multiple crores over the three-year period.

In Kishtwar district, the blocks of Mughal Maidan, Drabshalla and Inderwal account for a large portion of the outstanding liabilities, indicating a steady rise in material expenditure without corresponding fund clearance.

Anantnag district shows a similar pattern, with Bijbehara, Pahalgam and Shangus emerging as key contributors to the liability pool, each reflecting a pronounced increase over the last two financial years.

Kupwara district has also accumulated considerable liabilities, particularly in Kralpora, Kupwara and Langate blocks, where pending dues have reached several crores, highlighting widespread financial backlog across the district.

In Baramulla district, liabilities are concentrated in blocks such as Singhpora and Wagoora, both of which have recorded significant increases, especially during the current financial year.

Pulwama district stands out with Keller block alone accounting for liabilities exceeding Rs 10 crore, while Pulwama and Tral blocks also report notable pending amounts, contributing to the district’s overall burden.

Other districts including Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Ramban, Poonch, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam and Shopian also report varying levels of liabilities, though generally lower compared to the worst-affected districts, with the trend across all regions pointing towards a sharp rise in 2024–25.

The government informed the House that the pending liabilities will be cleared “as and when funds are released,” stating that the flow of funds under the scheme is continuous and dependent on requirements, but did not specify any timeline for clearing the accumulated dues.