The Centre has notified 375 permissible works under the new rural employment framework, expanding the list by 41 per cent over the previous scheme. The Ministry of Rural Development announced the schedule on Tuesday.

The works fall under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which replaced MGNREGA from July 1. They are divided into four categories: water security with 128 works, core rural infrastructure with 111, livelihood-related infrastructure with 98, and disaster preparedness with 38.

The expanded list includes check dams, recharge shafts, rural health facilities, agro-processing units, cold storage and flood protection works. Livelihood-related works will account for 26 per cent of the total, up from just 1.1 per cent under the old framework.

These include mini flour mills, market yards, dairy infrastructure, mushroom sheds and aquaculture structures. Worksheds for self-help groups and skill training centres are also included.

The scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household each year, up from 100 days earlier. The government says the wider menu will link wage work with durable rural assets.