Thu Mar 13 10:10:50 UTC 2025: **Parliamentary Committee Slams Suspension of Funds to West Bengal, Calls for MGNREGA Reforms**

New Delhi, March 13, 2025 – A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development has sharply criticized the suspension of funds to West Bengal under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) and other schemes. The report, released Thursday, states that this action has resulted in a surge in distress migration and significant disruptions to rural development initiatives.

The committee, chaired by Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka, made several key recommendations. These include a revision of MGNREGA wage rates, moving away from the CPI-Agricultural Laborers Index to determine wage hikes; the immediate release of all outstanding funds to West Bengal; and a reduction in delays in wage and material payments (currently totaling Rs 12,219.18 crore in wages and Rs 11,227.09 crore in materials as of February 15th). The committee also urged that the Aadhaar-based payment system under MGNREGA be made optional and that the guaranteed number of workdays be increased from 100 to 150.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh highlighted the report’s findings, emphasizing the severity of the consequences stemming from the withheld funds. The committee also recommended against the strict application of the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013 by state governments. The report’s recommendations are now expected to be considered by the government.

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