December 5, 2023
Samirul Islam’s Zero Hour mention on delays in the disbursement of funds due to Bengal on account of MGNREGA
Respected Chairman, Sir, the MGNREGA is not just a scheme of the Union Government. It was an Act established in 2005. The primary focus of this Act is improvement of rural livelihoods. Over the last 20 years, the scheme has become the lifeline for marginalised people in India, with crores of citizens depending on it as this is their right. The programme contributes to rural infrastructure and assets, indirectly addressing the basic demands and employment needs of a large section of people in rural India. However, my concern today is MGNREGA and the neglect faced by the poor people of West Bengal. The Budget allocation for MGNREGA has been reduced to Rs. 60,000 crore in the current fiscal year, 2023-24. West Bengal stands out as the only instance where the Union Ministry for Rural Development has completely withheld its allocation since 2021. The total due towards wages for lakhs of job-card holders alone is around Rs. 3,500 crore, with a total pending due worth Rs. 7,000 crore. These figures highlight the situation where the Union Government has not sanctioned even a penny for the poor people of West Bengal under the scheme named after the Father of the Nation in the current fiscal year. Consequently, over 20 lakh people, dependent on the rural scheme, also known as the 100-day-work scheme, are struggling to access their right to income. Their plight sends an adverse message to society and is breaking the backbone of the rural economy in Bengal. This matter should be a subject of debate in this House, questioning who has the authority to deprive the poor people of Eastern State of Bengal. Sir, I want to remind you that West Bengal is the State that stood first multiple times in implementation of MGNREGA. Sir, another significant point is that under MGNREGA, the Government should pay wages to labourers within fifteen days after the completion of works.Ironically, labourers from Bengal have not received their dues even after two years. This raises concerns about the adherence to the rules and the impact on the lives of those who are dependent on this vital scheme. Thank you, Sir.
