Agri Minister approves extra 50 days of rural work in Bengal amid climatic challenges & disasters

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a high-level meeting at Nabanna with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, State Agriculture Minister Dudhkumar Mandal, and other state ministers. The discussions focused on the implementation and progress of several crucial central welfare schemes, including the Awas Yojana, Gram Sadak Yojana, and rural employment initiatives. Following the bilateral talks, the Union Minister made a significant policy announcement for rural workers, stating that the standard 125-day work period under the state's employment scheme will be extended by an additional 50 days in areas severely impacted by natural disasters like El Niño.

During the press briefing, the Union Minister launched a sharp political attack against the previous Trinamool Congress administration regarding systemic corruption and the utilization of central funds. Chouhan asserted that while the Central Government had consistently dispatched financial aid, deep-rooted corruption among former state leaders had continuously deprived ordinary citizens of their rightful benefits. Countering previous allegations of central financial starvation, he provided statistics showing that the Centre had initiated infrastructure projects worth ₹82,492 crore in Bengal across highway, railway, and metro networks up to March, which were repeatedly hindered by institutional graft.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari described the extensive deliberations as highly progressive and positive for the state's overall economic revival. He announced that the Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Yojana will soon be launched across the districts of Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jhargram, and Purulia. The Chief Minister further specified that 2 crore 56 lakh job cards will be verified to guarantee rural employment, while confirming that central funding for 1 lakh houses under the Awas Yojana has been secured, with the formal verification deadline successfully extended until August 15.