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Centre Moves To Restart MGNREGA in Bengal, Says Procedures Are Being Reworked as TMC Protests

The ministry told Parliament it is preparing new modalities to comply with court orders.

Overview

  • Funds to West Bengal have been frozen since March 9, 2022 under Section 27 over alleged non‑compliance with central directives.
  • The Union Rural Development Ministry told the Rajya Sabha it is reworking and refining procedures to resume the scheme in the state.
  • The Centre records a pending MGNREGA liability of ₹3,082.52 crore to West Bengal, including ₹1,457.22 crore in wages for completed work.
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the freeze, citing inspection findings and alleging 25 lakh fake job cards in the state; Bengal’s July 11, 2025 action report noted ₹4.81 crore recovered and disciplinary steps.
  • Trinamool Congress MPs staged fresh protests in the Parliament complex, disputing the Centre’s figures, demanding a white paper, and pointing to High Court and Supreme Court orders that directed resumption.