A fresh political confrontation has erupted between the Central government and the West Bengal state government, this time centered on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during a public rally in Cooch Behar, dramatically tore up. The note containing the Centre's new rules for MGNREGA, branding them 'useless and insulting. ' This strong reaction comes amidst an already charged political. Atmosphere in the state, with assembly elections slated for next year.
The MGNREGA Suspension and Reinstatement Timeline
The Central government had suspended the implementation of the MGNREGA rural employment scheme in West Bengal approximately three years ago. This suspension, effective from March 9, 2022, was initiated when the Centre ceased releasing funds to the state, citing 'non-compliance with Central government directives' under Section 27 of the MGNREGA, 2005. The halt in funding Importantly impacted rural employment generation in the state. However, the path to reinstatement opened following directives from the Calcutta High Court. The Supreme Court, on October 27, rejected the Centre's Special Leave Petition challenging the High Court's June 18 order. The High Court had instructed the Centre to decide on implementing. MGNREGA in Bengal from August 1, 2025, and to impose 'specific conditions. ' In compliance with these judicial directives, the Union Ministry of Rural Development issued an order on December. 6 to restart MGNREGA with immediate effect, but this reinstatement came with a set of new and stringent conditions.
New Conditions Imposed by the Centre
The Central government has introduced several new and strict conditions for the resumption of the MGNREGA scheme in West Bengal, which have been vehemently opposed by the state government. A primary condition mandates that the state must complete 100% e-KYC (Know Your Customer) for. All laborers, and muster rolls will only be issued after this mandatory e-KYC process is finalized. This step appears aimed at ensuring transparency and accurate identification of beneficiaries within the scheme. Also, the Centre has imposed a new condition regarding the approval of the labor budget, while for Bengal, the labor budget will now be approved on a quarterly basis, a departure from the usual annual approval process. This stipulation dictates that the labor budget will be released quarterly, contingent upon the state's performance and its adherence to the new conditions. This could pose a significant challenge for the state in implementing the scheme, as it will need to demonstrate progress and compliance each quarter.
In addition to the aforementioned conditions, the Centre has also imposed stringent rules on the types of works undertaken under MGNREGA. According to the new order, no work with an estimated cost exceeding Rs 20 lakh will be permitted. This cap appears designed to focus on smaller and medium-scale projects, while Also, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be mandatory for all community works. This DPR must be approved by the District Magistrate (DM) and the District Programme Coordinator (DPC) for projects valued up to Rs 20 lakh, while crucially, all estimates must be generated exclusively through a software called 'SECURE Soft. ' These conditions collectively aim to bring greater accountability, transparency, and efficiency to the scheme's implementation, while however, the state government views these as an additional burden and an affront to its autonomy.
Mamata Banerjee's Fiery Opposition
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to these Central conditions, labeling them 'useless and insulting. ' Addressing a public rally in Cooch Behar, she stated that the Centre had sent a letter requiring them to submit quarterly labor budgets and provide training from December 6. Mamata questioned the timing, pointing out that it's already December and state elections are due early next year. She asked, 'When will you train people, and when will you provide jobs? ' She tore up the 'useless' piece of paper, unequivocally stating that Bengal wouldn't beg for 'Delhi's charity. ' She further announced that her government is already providing 70 days of work under its 'Karmashree Yojana,' which will now be extended to 100 days. Mamata asserted, 'We don't need your mercy. We aren't begging from you. That's why I am tearing this note. I find it insulting for us. ' She reiterated her stance, declaring, 'Bengal has never bowed down and will never bow down in the future. Bengal knows how to walk with its head held high.
Political Implications and Upcoming Elections
This escalating conflict between the Centre and the Bengal government over MGNREGA is further intensifying the political climate ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee's dramatic gesture is a clear signal of her defiance against the Central government and her emphasis on state autonomy. While the Central government argues that these conditions are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in. The scheme, the state government perceives them as an encroachment on its rights and political interference. This dispute could bring the issue of rural employment and development to the forefront of the electoral debate. Mamata Banerjee is positioning her 'Karmashree Yojana' as an alternative to MGNREGA, showcasing her commitment to reducing dependence on the Centre and providing employment through state resources. It remains to be seen how this conflict will impact the upcoming elections and how the rural populace will react to these developments.
