Centre moves SC against initiating MNREGA scheme in West Bengal

The Centre on Monday moved the Supreme Court to challenge the directive of the Kolkata High Court to initiate Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) in West Bengal.

The Kolkata High Court had issued a directive to initiate MNREGA in Bengal, the 100 Days Work Scheme. The bench of the Chief Justice of the High Court had strongly criticised the allegations of corruption associated with this project and provided clear instructions. It was mandated that priority should be given to providing employment to the poor and the general public, and the 100 Days Work Scheme was to be launched in the state starting from August 1.

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However, after a considerable period, the central government approached the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging that directive from the High Court. The Supreme Court has accepted this case, and it is reported that a hearing is likely to take place within this week.

The division bench of Chief Justice T.S. Shivajnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay Das at the Kolkata High Court stated two months ago, based on a case from the state government, that the central government may impose any conditions to prevent corruption. However, the 100 days of work under MNREGA must be resumed.

The entire project cannot be indefinitely suspended in any manner. Many individuals living below the poverty line earn their livelihoods through this work. It is essential to continue this work in the interest of the public. The High Court had issued an order to resume this work starting from August 1st, yet even after 18 days into the month, the work has not commenced.

For the past three years, Bengal has not been receiving the funds for the pending work under the ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme’ for the 100 days of work. The amount of pending payments has significantly increased. In this regard, the leader of the ruling party in the state, Abhishek Banerjee, has consistently voiced his concerns along with his MPs.

The representatives of the Trinamool Congress have also presented their demands in Delhi, accusing the authorities of depriving workers of their rightful dues.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has personally requested the Prime Minister and the Union Minister of Agriculture to settle the outstanding dues. However, the stubbornness of the central government has effectively thwarted all efforts by the Trinamool Congress to maintain ‘people-oriented projects’.

In response to the 100 days of work scheme, central representatives have countered with allegations of corruption regarding the funds in various districts.

On Monday, the central government challenged that directive from the High Court by approaching the Supreme Court. It remains to be seen what instructions the Supreme Court will provide during the hearing on this matter.