MGNREGA Work Yet to Resume in West Bengal Despite HC Directive: PBKMS

Fast Summary

• The Calcutta High Court directed the resumption of MGNREGA work in West Bengal from august 1,2025,following a petition by Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS),an agricultural workers’ union.
• Despite this order, MGNREGA work has not restarted. Block offices in multiple districts are reportedly refusing job applications.
• PBKMS claimed over 2,000 job applications where submitted across several districts between July 28-31, but more than half were illegally rejected across nine block offices in seven districts.
• The union alleged that both Central and State governments are defying the Court’s order. The NREGA Commissioner stated no work would proceed until fresh instructions from the Central Government are issued.
• Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act is allegedly cited by the Center to block fund release and halt work, depriving workers of their legal employment rights.
• Instances of threats against workers were reported. In Nadia district’s Krishnagar-II block, a union member faced verbal abuse and was labeled “Bangladeshi” when assisting applicants.
• Before Lok Sabha elections in 2024, protests had been held by Trinamool Congress and MGNREGA workers over wage payments and resumption delays. However, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee introduced an alternative scheme guaranteeing at least 50 days of wage employment-a measure deemed ineffective.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The continued suspension of MGNREGA operations highlights significant administrative challenges that impact vulnerable populations who depend on such schemes for basic livelihood support. This non-compliance with judicial orders raises questions about institutional accountability at both State and Central levels.

From a broader perspective:

1. Judiciary vs Governance: Defiance of court directives underscores tensions between judicial authority and executive action-potentially setting concerning precedents for governance standards within india’s federal system.
2. rural Impact: Persistent delays exacerbate rural distress through consequences such as migration or financial instability among marginalized communities already grappling with halted services since December 2021.
3. Political Repercussions: Given dissatisfaction among affected populations coupled with upcoming electoral cycles (e.g., Lok Sabha polls), this issue could amplify political narratives around labor rights and growth equity.

Resolving these disputes-especially concerning funding discrepancies-remains essential to maintain constitutional commitments like “right to work.” Compliance with judicial orders presents an possibility not only for restoring livelihoods but also reinforcing faith in India’s democratic processes.

Read More: The Hindu