West Bengal’s political landscape has been jolted by a major development. On Monday, the central government approached the Supreme Court to challenge a directive issued by the Calcutta High Court. The High Court had ordered the resumption of the MGNREGA scheme in the state starting August 1, and delivered a stern rebuke to the Centre, stating that such a vital welfare program cannot be shelved indefinitely.
During the July 19 hearing, Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam emphasized that while fraudulent beneficiaries must face action, honest workers deserve their rightful wages. The court made it clear: the Centre may impose stricter rules, but it cannot deny laborers their entitlements.
🛡️ MGNREGA: Mamata’s Political Lifeline?
With elections looming, the High Court’s order is being hailed as a strategic win for Mamata Banerjee’s government—potentially a game-changer that could rattle the BJP. The Chief Minister has long accused the Centre of withholding MGNREGA funds for three years, impacting millions of workers across Bengal.
Back in June, the issue sparked chaos in the state assembly. Mamata lashed out at the BJP, alleging that the Centre had illegally frozen Bengal’s funds while turning a blind eye to corruption in other “double-engine” states. “Only Bengal’s legitimate dues were seized,” she declared.
🏗️ What Is MGNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship employment scheme launched by the central government. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually to adult members of rural households, aiming to bolster livelihood security in India’s villages.
💰 Why Were Bengal’s Funds Blocked?
West Bengal has approximately 34 million registered MGNREGA workers. The Centre typically covers 90% of their wages. However, citing widespread irregularities, the central government froze funds in 2021. A probe by the Ministry of Rural Development across 63 sites revealed discrepancies in 31, prompting the freeze.
⚖️ Legal Battle Escalates
The political heat intensified when BJP legislators reacted angrily to Mamata’s accusations—one was even suspended amid the uproar. Now, with the Centre challenging the High Court’s order in the Supreme Court, the battle over MGNREGA is set to escalate from Kolkata to Delhi.
As election season approaches, this legal tug-of-war promises to be more than just a courtroom clash—it’s shaping up to be a full-blown political showdown. In Bengal, the game is on. Or as they say, “Khela Hobe.”