- Vihir Anudan Yojana now offers up to ₹5 lakh for well construction, benefiting farmers across Maharashtra.
- Marginal and small farmers with land up to 5 acres, along with specific categories such as SC/ST and women-led households, are eligible.
- Applicants must apply through their Gram Panchayat, providing necessary documents and job card details.
The state government of Maharashtra has made a significant decision to provide irrigation facilities to farmers. Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), now Vihir Anudan Yojana, grants for digging wells for irrigation have been increased. Under this, the grant of ₹4 lakh previously received has been increased by ₹1 lakh, and now farmers will get a total grant of up to ₹5 lakh.
With this decision, agriculture in the state will come under more irrigation and will help in removing water crisis of farmers. This scheme will be applicable only in the areas where MGNREGA works are in progress.
To avail the benefits of this Vihir Anudan Yojana, farmers have to submit an application to their Gram Panchayat. After the application is approved, eligible beneficiaries are selected and the grant amount is directly deposited into farmers’ bank accounts as per the completion stage of work. Through this scheme, farmers will get an opportunity to set up irrigation facilities without incurring their own expenses, which will make agriculture more profitable.
Vihir Anudan Yojana – Highlights
| Scheme Name | Vihir Anudan Yojana |
| Grant Amount | Up to ₹5 lakh |
| Implementing Agency | Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) |
| Eligibility | Marginal and small farmers, SC/ST, women-headed households, etc. |
| Application Process | Apply at the village Gram Panchayat office |
| Required Documents | Job card, land records, and other necessary documents |
| Contact | Gram Sevak or MGNREGA department |
Who Can Benefit from Vihir Anudan Yojana?
Vihir Anudan Yojana benefits are available to farmers from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Nomadic and De-notified Tribes, Economically Weaker Sections (households below the poverty line), women-headed households, families with disabled persons, beneficiaries of land improvement schemes, and beneficiaries of Indira Awaas Yojana. In addition, marginal farmers (up to 2.5 acres of land) and smallholder farmers (up to 5 acres of land) are also eligible for this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for Vihir Yojana
- The applicant must have at least 1 acre of continuous agricultural land.
- Distance from drinking water well should be more than 500 meters.
- A distance of 250 meters between two wells is mandatory, but this rule does not apply to backward classes and families below the poverty line.
- The applicant’s Saat-Bara Utara (land record) should not already have a well registered on it, and the applicant must be a job card holder under MGNREGA scheme.
How to Apply for Vihir Anudan Yojana?
Eligible farmers should apply for Vihir Anudan Yojana at their village Gram Panchayat office. It is mandatory to submit the required documents and job card while applying. For more information, contact the concerned Gram Sevak or MGNREGA department.
With this decision of the state government, farmers will get a lot of help in irrigation facilities. Especially farmers who are troubled by water scarcity, this scheme will be a relief. This scheme will help in increasing the income of farmers and agriculture will become more profitable.