After SC setback, Centre weighs resuming job scheme in Bengal, Pg10.

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is considering resuming the MGNREGS in West Bengal under "special conditions" after a Supreme Court setback.
• Implementation of the scheme in West Bengal was suspended over three years ago due to alleged non-compliance with central directives.
• The Supreme Court dismissed the Centre’s petition challenging a Calcutta High Court order to implement MGNREGS in West Bengal prospectively from August 1, 2025.
• The Centre had suspended fund release to West Bengal from March 9, 2022, invoking Section 27 of the MGNREGA, 2005.

Detailed Insights:

• The TMC-led government in West Bengal has been urging the Ministry to resume the MGNREGS scheme, which previously benefited 51 lakh to 80 lakh families annually.
• The Calcutta High Court order allows the Central Government to impose "special conditions, restrictions and regulations" to prevent irregularities during the scheme's implementation.
• The Ministry informed the PMO that it may consider resuming MGNREGS in West Bengal under "special conditions," after the PMO requested a report on the matter.
• Section 27 of MGNREGA, 2005 empowers the Centre to withhold funds from states not complying with its directives, leading to the initial suspension of funds to West Bengal.

Key Concepts Involved:

• MGNREGS: A flagship rural employment scheme guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
• Section 27, MGNREGA 2005: Empowers the central government to stop funds to states not complying with its directives.
• Special Leave Petition (SLP): A petition filed in the Supreme Court seeking permission to appeal against a judgment of any court or tribunal in the country.