West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a ten-member delegation to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, addressing concerns regarding the purported delay in releasing MGNREGA funds to the state. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister informed reporters that PM Modi conveyed that a decision would be made after a two-member central delegation team engages with state government officials.
The Chief Minister stated that she urged the PM to release the funds owed to the state during the meeting with a delegation comprising MPs. She emphasized the constitutional obligation to provide funds for the 100-day work scheme, expressing concern over the lack of financial support during the rains in 2022-23. Additionally, she highlighted the cessation of funds for the extra days of work, PM Awas Yojana, rural development scheme, Health Mission, and the Finance Commission.
Banerjee asserted that 155 central teams have already visited Bengal, providing necessary clarifications. Despite three previous meetings with the PM, no funds have been received yet. The PM mentioned joint meetings between officers from the Centre and the state government before deciding on the matter, emphasizing the federal structure’s shared responsibility for public funds.
On Sunday, the West Bengal CM criticized the BJP-led Centre, demanding the release of MGNREGA dues or the PM’s office be vacated, claiming that the Centre owes Rs 1.16 lakh crore to West Bengal. The Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has been protesting against the central government, alleging a delay in fund allocation. However, the Ministry of Rural Development stated that funds were stopped from March 9, 2022, due to West Bengal’s non-compliance with central directives under Section 27 of MGNREGA.
