The Calcutta High Court has told the Union government to restart the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in West Bengal from August 1.

Why Was MGNREGS Stopped?

The Union Rural Development Ministry stopped MGNREGS funding to West Bengal in March 2022. They said there were many irregularities and rule violations by the state government.

Funding Details

• West Bengal got Rs 7,507.8 crore under MGNREGS in 2021-2022.
• The state has not received any funds in the next three years.

Court Hearing and Decision

On Wednesday, a division bench of Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chatterjee heard a case about the non-payment of MGNREGS dues. The Union government had pointed out irregularities.

The bench said both the Union and state governments can set special conditions to stop irregularities. But they stressed that the scheme must restart.

Court’s Observations

• The court agreed that the Centre had found some irregularities in MGNREGS wage payments.
• The Centre can still investigate any misuse of funds.
• But stopping the program forever is not right.

The bench further stated, “All these allegations are from before 2022. You do whatever you want, but implement the scheme.”

What is MGNREGS?

MGNREGS started in 2005. It aims to improve the livelihood of households in rural areas.

The scheme guarantees 100 days of unskilled work every year for any rural household that wants it. It covers all districts in the country.

Further Reading

Explained: Why the Centre has not paid MGNREGA wages in Bengal for a year