Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Supreme Court Sidelines Centre's Plea, Upholds MGNREGA Resumption in Bengal
A government program that gives jobs to people in rural areas in West Bengal had stopped because the main government said there was corruption.
The local court said the program must restart to help the people.
The main government didn't want to restart it and asked a higher court, but the higher court agreed with the local court.
So, the job program will start again.
Many people who worked for this program lost their jobs and had to leave their homes to find work elsewhere.
The leader of West Bengal announced a new plan to help these workers if they come back home.
The courts are saying that even if there are questions about corruption, people should still be able to get jobs.
The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's order directing the Central government to resume the MGNREGA scheme in West Bengal.
The Centre had blocked MGNREGA funds since 2022 due to allegations of state-level corruption.
The High Court ruled that the alleged corruption investigations could proceed while the scheme is implemented to prevent hardship for rural workers.
Many Bengali migrant workers have faced difficulties and unemployment due to the prolonged suspension of the MGNREGA scheme.
West Bengal CM announced a new scheme, Shramashree, to provide financial aid to migrant workers returning to the state.
- Who
- MGNREGA workers in West Bengal and the Central and State governments.
- What
- The Supreme Court dismissed the Centre's petition, upholding the Calcutta High Court's order to resume the MGNREGA scheme in West Bengal, which had been halted due to corruption allegations.
- When
- The Supreme Court dismissed the Centre's petition on October 26, 2025, with the High Court issuing its orders in June and November 2025. Funds were blocked since 2022.
- Where
- West Bengal, India.
- Why
- The Centre had blocked MGNREGA funds citing corruption. The High Court ordered resumption to prevent rural poor suffering, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court, which stated corruption inquiries could continue alongside the scheme's implementation.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Implementation
Centre's Stance on Corruption Allegations
Resumption of Scheme vs. Corruption Investigations
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Implementation
The Calcutta High Court, upheld by the Supreme Court, has ordered the Centre to resume the MGNREGA scheme in West Bengal to prevent the suffering of rural workers, emphasizing that corruption inquiries can continue simultaneously.
Centre's Stance on Corruption Allegations
The Centre had blocked funds and challenged the High Court's order, citing alleged state-level corruption as the reason for withholding MGNREGA scheme implementation.
Migrant Worker Plight and State Government Response
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Implementation
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the plight of Bengali migrant workers, including detentions in Gurugram, and announced a new state scheme, Shramashree, to provide financial assistance to returning migrant workers.
Centre's Stance on Corruption Allegations
The article questions the state government's approach, suggesting they are primarily attacking the Centre and launching counter-schemes without sufficient legal safeguards, rather than ensuring the resumption of MGNREGA.
- Supreme Court Decision Date
- October 26, 2025
- Calcutta High Court Order Dates
- June 2025, November 7, 2025
- Affected MGNREGA Workers (West Bengal)
- 275 lakh
- Reason for Fund Blockade
- Alleged state-level corruption
- Scheme Resumption Date (Intended)
- August 1, 2025
- West Bengal CM's New Scheme
- Shramashree
- Stipend under Shramashree
- ₹5,000 per month for a year