MGNREGS in Tamil Nadu: A Performance Review of Financial Year 2020-2025

Abstract

This study assesses the performance of MGNREGS in Tamil Nadu from 2020-21 to 2024-25 using official table-based data on financial utilization, physical progress, and inclusiveness. Tamil Nadu consistently exceeded annual fund allocations, reaching 125.61% utilization in 2024-25, reflecting high administrative efficiency. Physical progress showed declining total works taken up, yet completed works peaked in 2023-24. Agriculture-related spending rebounded after a drop, and Natural Resource Management maintained high priority. Category B (individual-benefit) works increased from 30.55% to 50.09%, showing a shift toward household-level assets. While women’s participation consistently exceeded 85%, Scheduled Tribe participation remained below 1.7%, and households received fewer than the mandated 100 days of employment. The findings highlight Tamil Nadu’s strong financial and gender performance, alongside the need to improve physical scale and inclusive access.