In a landmark decision, the Kolkata High Court has directed the central government to resume the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) in West Bengal, which was suspended in 2022 due to alleged irregularities.

This move reactivates a vital lifeline for millions of rural households who rely on MGNREGS for 100 days of unskilled labor — a legal right under the Act.

While this is a win for rural livelihoods in Bengal, a larger national debate is now underway.

🔍 For the first time ever, the Government of India has introduced a spending cap on MGNREGS.

Capping the expenditure at 60% of the total budget (₹86,000 crore) for the first six months of the fiscal year could disrupt the very essence of this demand-driven scheme. Experts fear that such limits contradict Section 3 of the Act, which mandates that work must be provided within 15 days of a job request — or compensation must be paid.

📉 If funds run out early in the fiscal year, how will new job demands be met in the second half?

🧩 Key concerns:

1. Potential violation of legal guarantees under the Act

2. Delayed wage payments, especially when pending dues from the previous year already consume 30–40% of the new budget

3. A looming flashpoint between Centre and States over scheme control and financial autonomy

💬 As we celebrate the resumption of MGNREGS in West Bengal, we must also ask: Are we weakening one of India’s strongest rural safety nets?

What are your thoughts on the future of MGNREGS under these new restrictions?

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