Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Calcutta HC Orders Centre to Resume MGNREGA Work in West Bengal
Imagine a program that guarantees 100 days of work each year for people in the villages, called MGNREGA.
This program in West Bengal stopped working a few years ago.
The people who run the state say the central government didn't give them enough money.
The central government says the state misused the money.
A court has now said that the program must start again right away.
The court also said that the money owed to the workers needs to be paid.
The central government has been told to explain why the money is being held back.
Even though there were some disagreements about money problems, the court feels it's important for people to have their guaranteed work.
The people who work for the program are happy and will make sure it's followed.
Calcutta High Court directed the Centre to immediately resume 100-day work under MGNREGA in West Bengal.
The scheme has been suspended in the state for nearly three years, with the state government blaming the Centre for withholding funds.
The Centre cited 'absolute misappropriation of funds' by the state and cited irregularities worth Rs 613 crore.
Wages under the scheme have not been paid since December 2021, with approximately Rs 4,500 crore in arrears.
The court has ordered the Centre to file an affidavit within four weeks regarding the disbursement of wages.
- Who
- Calcutta High Court, Central Government, West Bengal Government, West Bengal Agricultural Workers’ Association
- What
- The Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Government to immediately resume work under the MGNREGA scheme in West Bengal and address the disbursement of wages.
- When
- Friday (order issued), Wages not paid since December 2021, Funds stopped in March 2022
- Where
- West Bengal
- Why
- The scheme has been suspended for nearly three years due to allegations of fund misappropriation and irregularities by the state, leading to withheld funds and unpaid wages. The court found no impediment to resuming the scheme.
West Bengal Government & Petitioners
Central Government
Resumption of MGNREGA Work
West Bengal Government & Petitioners
The state government and petitioners argue that there are no impediments to resuming MGNREGA work and that the scheme should be implemented immediately. They also state that the Centre has withheld funds, causing the suspension.
Central Government
The Centre argues that there has been 'absolute misappropriation of funds by the State' and that an inquiry has been conducted. They had previously challenged a high court order for relaunching MGNREGA.
Payment of Wages and Arrears
West Bengal Government & Petitioners
The state government has disbursed some wages, but there are approximately Rs 4,500 crore in arrears owed to workers. The petitioners are seeking settlement of outstanding wages with interest.
Central Government
The Centre is responsible for paying wages, but has not done so since December 2021. The court directed the Centre to file an affidavit regarding disbursement of wages.
Allegations of Irregularities
West Bengal Government & Petitioners
The state acknowledges some irregularities, stating that a central audit team found worth Rs 613 crore, of which the state recovered Rs 210.35 lakh. They claim all related records have been submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development.
Central Government
The Centre stopped funds citing powers under Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act after examining an action-taken report on irregularities. They previously alleged 'absolute misappropriation of funds'.
- Scheme
- Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- Duration of Suspension
- Nearly three years
- Amount of Arrears
- Around Rs 4,500 crore
- Last Wage Payment
- December 2021
- Alleged Irregularities Found
- Rs 613 crore
- Irregularities Recovered by State
- Rs 210.35 lakh
- Court Order Date
- Friday