Challenges in Reviving MGNREGA in West Bengal Following Calcutta High Court Order
Following a Calcutta High Court order, the Centre is set to resume MGNREGA in West Bengal after a three-year hiatus due to alleged irregularities. However, the revival faces significant hurdles, including the mandatory Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) and the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS). Millions of workers, particularly women and marginalized groups, remain non-compliant with ABPS. The article emphasizes that restarting the scheme requires more than just a 'green signal'; it needs trust-building, logistical preparation, and administrative muscle to ensure that no worker is left behind due to technological bottlenecks.
Key Points
- MGNREGA provides a vital safety net of 100 days of guaranteed work for rural households.
- The scheme was halted in West Bengal in March 2022 over 'widespread irregularities' involving over ₹10,000 crore.
- Technological requirements like ABPS and NMMS (geo-tagged photos) are major barriers for rural workers with limited digital access.
- Reviving the scheme requires reinstating deleted workers and strengthening grievance redressal and social audits.
Exam Facts
- MGNREGA Act enacted in 2005
- 100 days of guaranteed employment per year
- 83 lakh workers removed from West Bengal's rolls in 2022-23
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