Mamata Banerjee: Bengal government starts transferring funds to 21 lakh MNREGA workers
West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her government has started transferring money to the bank accounts of 21 lakh people who had worked for the 100-day scheme but did not receive payment from the central government.
The CM claimed that since West Bengal tops the list of states in implementing various central government-run schemes like 100 days work, MSME, housing scheme and rural roads, the Center has stopped releasing funds.
He said, “We (West Bengal) owe about Rs 1.16 lakh crore. Those who have worked under the 100 days scheme have not received their wages for the last three years. There are 21 lakh job card holders who have not received the money.” The central government did not release the funds. We have started transferring money to their respective accounts,” Banerjee said while addressing an administrative review meeting here.
“We are number 1 in the country in 100 days work, MSME, rural road scheme and housing scheme and that is why they have stopped releasing funds,” he claimed.
Banerjee, who recently staged a 48-hour dharna in the city demanding release of state dues, announced that her government will transfer funds to the bank accounts of 21 lakh MNREGA workers in the state by February 21.
On Wednesday he assured to continue the fight for the people of West Bengal.
Referring to the protest programs of her party led by general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, the TMC chief said, “Workers, MPs, MLAs and block presidents all went to New Delhi (in December) despite trains being cancelled. They went there by buses.” Abhishek’s leadership. I had earlier staged a protest for 48 hours and had met the PM more than once for this.” He also mentioned plans to make another announcement regarding unreleased funds for the housing scheme.
“We neither want to beg from BJP nor do we want their alms. “By February 21, we will transfer money to the bank accounts of those 21 lakh workers who did not receive money from the central government even after working for 100 days.” Action Plan (MNREGA) in the last three years. This is my first step”, Banerjee had announced.
In the meeting on Wednesday, Banerjee directed Chief Secretary BP Gopalika to increase the number of Yogashree centers to 50.
Additionally, he ordered that free training under the social welfare scheme be extended not only to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories but also to the general category students.
The ‘Yogashree’ scheme aims to provide free training to students from SC and ST backgrounds for competitive examinations, enabling them to secure government posts and make a career in civil services.
