The new state government in West Bengal is cracking down on any opacity or corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the 100-day work initiative that has been reintroduced. State Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal has instructed district magistrates to intensify monitoring to ensure accountability at all levels. This initiative aims to offer job opportunities to rural workers.
Additionally, the government is taking a tough stance on the ‘Banglar Bari’ project’s beneficiary list from the previous government’s tenure. Measures are being taken to identify and take legal action against fake beneficiaries. The Chief Secretary has mandated a complete revision of the database containing around 2.56 crore job card beneficiaries in the state to address the issue of fake names.
To enhance transparency and prevent irregularities, all crucial tasks related to the schemes will now be conducted through a specific digital platform. This includes geo-tagging of work sites, accurate costing, master roll generation, electronic measurement book (e-MB), and fund transfer offers (FTO). The guidelines emphasize the exclusive use of the Aadhaar-based payment system for wage payments.
In an effort to improve the quality of the projects, District Magistrates and Block Development Officers (BDOs) have been assigned additional responsibilities as coordinators. The guidelines stress the importance of maintaining transparency, financial discipline, and digital information usage. Any negligence in these aspects will be dealt with seriously, with appropriate legal action against those found guilty.
Apart from the employment guarantee scheme, the government is also scrutinizing the rural housing scheme. Chief Secretary Agarwal has requested a detailed report to re-verify the beneficiaries of the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme. Allegations of funds being misused by ineligible individuals have prompted swift action to identify and take legal measures against them.
