Bhopal: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in Punjab, claiming that more than 10,600 cases of fraud have been identified in the state.
Addressing the issue, Chouhan said investigations revealed that inflated expenditure bills were submitted under the scheme and that several works not permitted under MNREGA guidelines were executed. He maintained that such practices undermine the core objective of the programme, which is meant to provide transparent wage employment to rural households.
LIVE: Press Conference in Bhopal.
https://t.co/hqYT4iD7ry— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) December 30, 2025
The minister further stated that accountability must be fixed to ensure that public funds meant for the poor are not misused. He emphasised the need for stricter monitoring and corrective measures to prevent future irregularities.
Commenting on the ongoing political debate in Punjab, Chouhan said the focus should shift from opposing the proposed G-RAM-G initiative to implementing it effectively for the state’s development. According to him, the scheme could play a constructive role if adopted with proper intent and oversight.
His remarks come amid heightened discussions in the Punjab Assembly over rural employment schemes and the Centre’s proposed initiatives, highlighting continuing differences between the Union government and the state leadership over development policies.
