Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi over delay in releasing funds for MGNREGA scheme, PM Awas Yojana

“It is very astonishing that the Government of India is not releasing funds to West Bengal for MGNREGA and PM Awas Yojana. You are aware that the wages for MGNREGA form an important part of livelihood of rural people and considering this importance, the Act mandates that wages must be paid within fifteen days,” Banerjee said in her letter to PM Modi.

According to the Bengal Chief Minister, wages have been pending for more than four months as the Government of India is yet to release the funds to the tune of nearly Rs 6,500 crore (Rs 3,000 crore against wage liabilities and Rs 3,500 crore against non-wage liabilities).

It must be noted that in the Awas Yojana, West Bengal ranks as No. 1 across the country with more than 32 lakh houses being built in the state since 2016-17, an official statement claimed.

“Despite this performance, fresh allocation of funds to West Bengal is pending with the Ministry of Rural Development and a long list of beneficiaries is awaiting sanction in the State,” CM Banerjee wrote.

Considering the significance of the projects and the hardships faced by the common people, the AITC Chief requested PM Modi’s intervention and direction to the concerned ministry to release the funds without any further delay.