Wed Sep 03 20:06:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewritten news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Despite a Calcutta High Court order for the resumption of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in West Bengal, its future remains uncertain. The central government has appealed to the Supreme Court, and even if the scheme resumes, significant groundwork is needed to address issues like Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) compliance, worker deletions, and the need for updated infrastructure and training. A key concern is the potential exclusion of many workers due to these issues and the lack of adequate resources for reinstatement. Urgent action and collaboration between the central and state governments are crucial to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness and prevent further hardship for rural workers.

**News Article:**

**West Bengal MGNREGS Revival Stalled: Court Order Faces Supreme Court Appeal, Implementation Challenges Loom**

**Kolkata, September 4, 2025** – A glimmer of hope for rural workers in West Bengal hangs in the balance as the future of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) remains uncertain. While the Calcutta High Court ordered the scheme’s resumption effective August 1st, the central government has appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

The case was originally filed by Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity (PBKMS) after the central government halted funding for MGNREGS in West Bengal in March 2022, citing “widespread irregularities.” However, an RTI request later revealed that the suspension was based on findings from a limited number of worksites, despite the state receiving over ₹10,000 crore under MGNREGA in 2020–21.

Even if the Supreme Court upholds the High Court’s decision, significant obstacles remain. Key issues include:

* **Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) Compliance:** Over 43 lakh registered workers in West Bengal are not ABPS-compliant, potentially excluding them from receiving wages.
* **Worker Deletions:** Over 83 lakh workers were removed from the rolls in 2022-23, requiring a massive effort to identify and reinstate them.
* **Infrastructure and Training Gaps:** A three-year suspension has led to a need for updated training on new digital attendance systems and addressing human resource gaps.

Experts warn that unless these challenges are addressed, the resumption of MGNREGS risks being a hollow gesture. The loss of wages due to the suspension has already inflicted immense hardship on rural communities, with potential wage losses in the range of ₹4,000 to 6,000 crore. A policy research group, LibTech India, estimates potential wage loss in the range of ₹4,000 to 6,000 crore.

“The High Court has permitted the Centre to set ‘special conditions’ in West Bengal. These must enhance delivery and accountability. The Union and State governments, alongside local panchayats, must act as co-owners of MGNREGS, upholding rural workers’ right to employment,” stated Chakradhar Buddha, associated with LibTech India.

Advocates are calling for urgent action from both the central and state governments, including a temporary allowance for account-based payments alongside ABPS, streamlined reinstatement processes for deleted workers, updated training and infrastructure for field supervisors.

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