Has the Calcutta HC Ordered the Centre to Launch the 100-Day Job Scheme in Bengal from August 1?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has mandated the Centre to kickstart the 100-day job scheme under MGNREGA in West Bengal from August 1, while also enforcing measures to combat corruption in its implementation. This decision comes amid ongoing disputes about funding and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court mandates implementation of the 100-day job scheme from August 1.
- Union government authorized to monitor and ensure anti-corruption measures.
- Fund disbursement will be directly credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
- Ongoing investigations into past corruption claims are authorized.
- Ruling reflects the need for transparency in government schemes.
Kolkata, June 18 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday instructed the Union government to initiate the implementation of the 100-day job scheme under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in West Bengal starting from August 1 without any delays.
In issuing this directive, the division bench comprising Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chattopadhyay granted the Union government the authority to impose any necessary conditions on the West Bengal government to ensure effective implementation of the 100-day job scheme, aimed at curbing corruption.
The Court also permitted the Centre to transfer funds directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries as needed.
Furthermore, the Union government has been authorized to oversee the implementation process to mitigate future corruption and to investigate prior allegations of corruption.
This directive arose from a petition lodged by the Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samiti (West Bengal Agricultural Workers’ Forum), which accused the Centre of failing to disburse funds for the 100-day job scheme. Senior advocate and CPI-M Rajya Sabha member Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya represented the forum.
In a related matter, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has also approached the Calcutta High Court, alleging significant irregularities in the execution of the 100-day job scheme in West Bengal.
The ruling Trinamool Congress party has been vocal against the Union government concerning the non-release of central funds under the MGNREGA scheme over the past three years. Conversely, the Union government and the BJP contend that the cessation of funds is due to widespread corruption in the implementation of the scheme previously.
Inspection teams from the Union government have conducted field visits across various districts in West Bengal in recent years to investigate the corruption claims related to the scheme.
Point of View
The Calcutta High Court's directive reflects a growing need for accountability and transparency in government schemes. The emphasis on direct fund transfers and corruption prevention measures demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100-day job scheme?
The 100-day job scheme, under MGNREGA, guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Why is the Calcutta High Court's ruling significant?
The ruling is significant as it mandates the Centre to implement the scheme while ensuring measures are in place to prevent corruption, thus aiming for effective governance and accountability.
Who filed the petition leading to this ruling?
The petition was filed by the Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samiti, accusing the Union government of failing to release necessary funds for the job scheme.
What measures will be taken to prevent corruption?
The court has authorized the Union government to impose conditions on the West Bengal government and monitor the implementation process to prevent corruption.
How will the funds be distributed to beneficiaries?
The court has allowed the Centre to transfer funds directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries to ensure timely and transparent disbursement.
