Calcutta HC orders resumption of 100-day work scheme after 3-year halt

The Calcutta High Court has directed the immediate revival of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), commonly known as the 100-day work scheme, in West Bengal. The scheme, which had been stalled in the state for the past three years, is now set to recommence on August 1, 2025. The order, issued by the bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam on Wednesday, explicitly states that the central government will be responsible for the allocation of funds, paving the way for millions of rural workers to regain employment opportunities.

The court's directive emphasizes that with the re-launch of the scheme, both the central and state governments must ensure that no irregularities, similar to those reported previously, occur. The High Court stressed the importance of transparency in the scheme's implementation and ensuring its benefits reach all eligible citizens across the state, aiming to rectify past issues and rebuild trust in the vital employment program.

The MGNREGA scheme had been suspended in West Bengal for the last three years amidst widespread allegations of large-scale misuse of funds and corruption. These accusations led to a public interest litigation filed in the Calcutta High Court, seeking clarification on the reasons for the scheme's suspension and urging judicial intervention to restart it for the benefit of the state's rural population.

The matter eventually reached the Chief Justice's bench, which had previously sought a detailed report from the Union Ministry of Rural Development. A deadline of May 15 was set for the submission of this report. In response, the Centre submitted a report to the court in March, detailing the findings of a four-member committee appointed by the court. This committee had conducted inspections in four specific districts of the state: Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, Malda, and Darjeeling (GTA region).

During the court proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Ashok Chakraborty, representing the central government, informed the court that irregularities amounting to approximately ₹5.37 crore were identified. Of this, ₹2.39 crore had already been recovered, indicating the scale of financial mismanagement that led to the scheme's suspension.

The High Court's order has elicited a strong reaction from the West Bengal government. State Minister Sobhandeb Chatterjee stated that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had been consistently vocal against the Centre's perceived injustice regarding the scheme's suspension. He also highlighted the agitation led by Abhishek Banerjee in Delhi over the issue. The court's intervention is now seen by the state government as a crucial step that has cleared the path for the scheme's much-awaited reinstatement.