Aizawl, March 10 The MGNREGA scheme, under which a total of ₹6,498.17 crore of central funds have been channeled into Mizoram since its implementation in 2006, has altered the state's socio-economic landscape by stabilizing household incomes and curbing rural-to-urban migration, Rural Development Minister Lalnilawma informed the assembly on Tuesday.
He was responding to a question from ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) legislator H Ginzalala about when the scheme was launched in Mizoram.
In his reply, the minister said the scheme was launched in 2006 and it went beyond the immediate provision of manual labour.
"By stabilizing household incomes and curbing rural-to-urban migration, MGNREGA has acted as a vital safety net for Mizoram's rural populace," the minister said.
He said that while the scheme does not hold a direct percentage share in the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), it functions as a primary "indirect economic growth driver", stimulating local markets and creating tangible community assets.
While several socio-economic evaluations and impact assessments have been conducted in line with national guidelines, Lalnilawma pointed out a gap in localized research.
"To date, a thorough study focusing specifically on optimizing the scheme's positive influence on the Mizoram economy is yet to be undertaken," he said.