Bengal Renames Job Scheme, Mamata Criticizes PM on MNREGA Funding
West Bengal renames a job scheme, sparking political debate over MNREGA funding and state-center relations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the renaming of a state-level job scheme to include 'Bengal' after Mahatma Gandhi, a move that comes amidst a political spat with the Prime Minister over the funding of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Banerjee criticized the central government for allegedly withholding funds for the state's rural job scheme, impacting beneficiaries.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the state and central governments regarding the implementation and funding of welfare programs, often leading to political blame games. Such disputes underscore the complexities of fiscal federalism and the challenges in delivering social welfare benefits effectively across different levels of governance.
Key Facts
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced renaming of a state job scheme
UPSC Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to fiscal federalism and Centre-State financial relations (Articles 268-281).
Working and objectives of MNREGA, its funding pattern, and implementation challenges.
Role of the Finance Commission in devolution of funds and grants to states.
Distinction between Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Sector Schemes (CSS).
Impact of political tensions on welfare scheme implementation and beneficiaries.
Visual Insights
MNREGA Funding Disputes: West Bengal and Other Key States (2024-25)
This map highlights West Bengal, the state at the center of the current MNREGA funding dispute, and other states that have historically or recently faced significant challenges or disputes regarding the timely release of MNREGA funds from the Central Government. It underscores the geographical spread of fiscal federalism challenges.
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MNREGA Key Performance & Funding Snapshot (FY 2024-25)
This dashboard provides a snapshot of key MNREGA indicators for the financial year 2024-25, including overall performance and specific context for West Bengal's funding situation, reflecting the ongoing central-state tensions.
- Total Person-Days Generated
- 280 Crore+5% (YoY)
- Women's Participation
- 57%+1% (YoY)
- Central Budget Allocation for MNREGA
- ₹75,000 Crore-5% (YoY)
- Funds Withheld/Delayed for West Bengal
- ₹7,000 Crore (approx.)N/A
Reflects continued high demand for rural employment, especially post-pandemic. Crucial for rural livelihood security.
Exceeds the mandated one-third, highlighting the scheme's role in women's empowerment and financial independence.
Annual allocations are a major point of contention, often falling short of actual demand and leading to fund delays.
The core of the current news. Alleged withholding of funds by the Centre for various reasons (e.g., audit issues, non-compliance), impacting state's ability to pay wages.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), consider the following statements: 1. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. 2. The central government bears 100% of the material costs and 75% of the wage costs for unskilled workers. 3. Unemployment allowance is payable if employment is not provided within 15 days of submitting an application. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. MNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household. Statement 2 is incorrect. The central government bears 100% of the wage costs for unskilled workers and 75% of the material costs. Statement 3 is correct. If employment is not provided within 15 days of submitting an application or from the date when work is demanded, an unemployment allowance must be paid to the applicant.
2. In the context of fiscal federalism in India, which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between 'Centrally Sponsored Schemes' and 'Central Sector Schemes'?
- A.Central Sector Schemes are implemented by states with 100% central funding, while Centrally Sponsored Schemes are implemented by central ministries.
- B.Centrally Sponsored Schemes are implemented by states with a defined share of funding from both Centre and State, whereas Central Sector Schemes are implemented by central ministries and are 100% funded by the Centre.
- C.Both Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes are implemented by states, but the former receives more central funding.
- D.Central Sector Schemes focus on national priorities, while Centrally Sponsored Schemes focus on state-specific development initiatives.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B correctly distinguishes them. Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are implemented by state governments but are sponsored by the central government with a defined share of funding from both the Centre and the State. Central Sector Schemes (CS) are conceived and implemented by the Union Government agencies and are 100% funded by the Union Government. Option A incorrectly reverses the implementation and funding. Option C is incorrect as Central Sector Schemes are not implemented by states. Option D is a partial and often misleading distinction; both can address national priorities, but the key difference lies in implementation and funding mechanism.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the financial relations between the Union and the States in India: 1. The Finance Commission is a quasi-judicial body constituted by the President every fifth year or earlier. 2. Grants-in-aid to the states are provided only on the recommendations of the Finance Commission under Article 275 of the Constitution. 3. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is a constitutional body that makes recommendations on issues relating to GST, including its apportionment between the Centre and States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. The Finance Commission is indeed a quasi-judicial body constituted by the President every fifth year or earlier (Article 280). Statement 2 is incorrect. While Article 275 provides for statutory grants-in-aid to states on the recommendations of the Finance Commission, there are also discretionary grants under Article 282, which are not necessarily based on FC recommendations. Statement 3 is correct. The GST Council (Article 279A) is a constitutional body that makes recommendations on GST-related matters, including the division of tax revenues.
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Mamata slams PM for replacing MGNREGA, says Karmashree job scheme to be named after Mahatma Gandhi | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
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