MGNREGA implementation in West Bengal
Why in news?
The Centre resumed MGNREGA implementation in West Bengal with immediate effect on December 6, 2025, after a three-year suspension since March 2022 due to alleged corruption and non-compliance with central directives under Section 27 of the MGNREGA Act.
Key Conditions
- Resumption requires 100% e-KYC for all workers, biometric attendance via Aadhaar Payment Bridge, and quarterly labour budget approvals based on compliance.
- Works exceeding Rs 20 lakh are barred, with mandatory Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) approved by District Magistrates for all community projects up to that limit, generated via SECURE software;
- No more than 10 ongoing works per gram panchayat are allowed.​
Background and Impact
- Prior to suspension, West Bengal served 51-80 lakh families annually under the scheme, making it a top performer.
- The state must now ensure geo-tagged pre-estimation visits, annual performance audits by the Principal Accountant General, time-bound recoveries, FIRs against irregularities, and regular social audits.
- This revival aids rural households ahead of 2026 Assembly elections but emphasizes transparency.​
About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
- The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.
- It aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by focusing on water conservation, drought relief, and land development activities.​
- Guaranteed Employment: Households can demand work within 15 days of application; failure triggers unemployment allowance.
- Wage Payment: Wages are paid within 15 days, with minimum rates set by states (linked to 100 days of work).
- Work Types: Prioritizes sustainable assets like irrigation, plantations, and rural infrastructure.​
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