4 February 2024
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared today that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is set to release funds to the bank accounts of 21 lakh MNREGA workers in the state by February 21. This announcement comes amidst Banerjee’s ongoing dharna, which began last Friday, in front of the BR Ambedkar statue in the city. The chief minister is advocating for the release of the ‘due amount’ for various welfare schemes from the central government.
The protest has gained momentum, with notable figures such as former Indian cricketer and politician Kirti Azad and social activist Yogendra Yadav joining Banerjee in her demonstration. The participants are collectively pressing for the prompt disbursement of funds to ensure the welfare and financial stability of MNREGA workers.
As tensions escalate, the state government’s commitment to transferring funds to the bank accounts of the workers by February 21 brings a ray of hope amidst the ongoing agitation. The dharna underscores the ongoing challenges in the relationship between state and central authorities, raising questions about the timely delivery of essential funds for welfare schemes.