The Centre has clarified that it is not discriminating against West Bengal regarding the suspension of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Wednesday that the funds have been stalled due to the state’s failure to comply with the Union government's directives. The funds for West Bengal under MGNREGS have been halted since March 2022 due to non-compliance, according to the Ministry of Rural Development.

Addressing the matter in a press conference, Chouhan expressed concern for the poor people in West Bengal, stating, "We are concerned about the poor people in West Bengal as well. We have asked for certain compliances, and if the state fulfils them, we will consider it."

Chouhan also clarified that while MGNREGS funds have been suspended, West Bengal has continued to receive financial support under other schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). “West Bengal has received funds under PM Sadak Yojana because there were no discrepancies in that,” he noted, stressing that the Centre provides funds only when the stated objectives of the schemes are met. He questioned, “If names of schemes are changed, non-eligible people are made beneficiaries, and standards are not followed, should we not ask for answers? Should we keep giving money?”

Chouhan reiterated that the Centre had the right to conduct an investigation into the irregularities in West Bengal’s implementation of welfare schemes. “It was done, irregularities were found, so we had to take action,” he said, warning that similar actions would be taken if such issues were found in other states.

The minister also responded to Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee’s claims that the Central government had not released welfare funds to West Bengal. During Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Chouhan strongly refuted the allegations, asserting that the West Bengal government was diverting Central funds and providing welfare benefits to “undeserving” people.

The issue of halted funds is a major point of contention between the Trinamool Congress and the Union government, with the party accusing the Centre of depriving the state of its rightful share of funds. This issue is expected to be raised during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.