NO END TO NREGA FAMINE

It's been over three years since the Centre paused funds to the job scheme in Bengal, alleging a scam. A bitter debate picks up ahead of polls

- By Arkamoy Datta Majumdar

MUCH LABOUR HAS BEEN SPENT on this debate-never settled, it’s gasping for capital too. Left marooned by New Delhi 40 months ago, West Bengal has had to dig into its own scanty coffers to keep work afloat under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). It’s nearly not enough for the state’s 138 million active job card holders. Consider the figures. Since March 2022, when the Centre suspended NREGA funds citing irregularities, Bengal has managed to create only 809.6 million person days—barely double the 364.3 million achieved in a single ‘normal’ year just before. Indeed, in FY22, it was also able to give work to 11.2 million individuals.

NEGLECT VS ACCOUNTABILITY

There's a silver lining: under state financing, in FY25, the number of person days generated—which refers to the total number of days of work individuals were engaged in—has crossed FY22 numbers to hit 429.2 million (see graphic,