Calcutta HC directs DM’s to take appropriate action in MGNREGA imbroglio

The Calcutta High Court has directed District Magistrates in West Bengal to “take appropriate action” in the imbroglio relating to implementation of MGNREGA after Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity provides details of the aggrieved workers. Wages to workers under MGNREGA have not been paid since December 2021 and the PBKMS, a union of agricultural workers had filed the petition before the High Court on November 28. “We dispose of the present petition by permitting the petitioner to file the detailed comprehensive representation along with the particulars of the affected/aggrieved workers before the District Magistrate, Purulia, who on receipt of the same will conduct an enquiry and will take appropriate action in accordance with law after giving an opportunity of hearing to all the concerned parties,” an order by the High Court said. The PBKS also claimed that the Union Government has also not allotted any funds for MGNREGA in 2022-23 to West Bengal and therefore no new works have been started despite workers demanding work.