Kolkata, 9 December (H.S.): The confrontation between the West Bengal government and the Centre over the rural employment guarantee scheme escalated sharply on Tuesday after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tore up a central government letter during a public rally in Cooch Behar. The letter, she said, contained “humiliating and unacceptable” conditions linked to the release of funds under the 100-day work scheme (MGNREGA).
Addressing a large gathering on the second day of her two-day district tour, the Chief Minister said the Centre had recently sent fresh directives outlining new prerequisites for resuming fund flow to the state. These, she claimed, included requirements such as submitting a quarterly labour budget, capping employment at only ten workers per gram panchayat, imposing training conditions, and restricting ground-level work in several categories.
“How is it even possible to prepare a labour budget in December?” she asked.
Holding the letter aloft on stage, Banerjee declared, “This paper is worthless for us. Bengal will return to power and run the 100-day work scheme on its own terms. We do not need anyone’s mercy.” Moments later, she tore the document into pieces, asserting that the instructions were an “insult to the state” and therefore unacceptable.
The Chief Minister reiterated her long-standing allegation that the Centre has deliberately withheld funds for the rural employment programme for the past four years. She added that allocations for housing schemes and rural road projects have also been stopped.
“Since 2011, Bengal has won several national awards for its performance in the 100-day work scheme. Is doing good work a crime?” she asked.
Banerjee also accused the Union government of harassing TMC MPs who travelled to Delhi to press for the state’s dues. She said cases were filed against them instead of addressing their demands. According to her, the Centre is repeatedly attempting to arm-twist West Bengal by withholding welfare funds and blocking labour-related projects.
“Bengal stands on its own strength and will not accept charity or condescension from anyone,” she said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
