Mamata Banerjee demands release of funds owed to West Bengal

Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, declared that the BJP-led NDA government owes the state a staggering Rs 1.15 lakh crore.

She emphasised that the Centre should promptly disburse these funds or step down from office.

During a public gathering in Alipurduar, Banerjee asserted, "Funds worth Rs 1.15 lakh crore due to Bengal will be sought. We will raise the slogan that (either) give the poor people's money or leave the chair."

Banerjee also revealed her request for an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi between December 18 and December 20 to discuss the release of the state's dues. She highlighted the delay in implementing social welfare schemes due to the pending funds from the Centre.

Addressing the audience, she announced 70 projects valued at over Rs 93 crore and mentioned plans to accompany a few MPs to Delhi for the meeting with the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister outlined that West Bengal's pending dues encompass several areas, including 100 days of work under MGNREGA, housing, and the state's share of GST collection.

Moreover, Banerjee promised land deeds ('pattas') to all tea garden workers and a Rs 1.2 lakh grant for each worker to build homes. Additionally, she assured the tribal community of addressing their concerns, including ST certificates, clean drinking water, and access to social welfare programs. Special camps would be established to facilitate the delivery of these initiatives to tribal groups.

The BJP leadership in the state has cited the suspension of funds under MNREGA to Bengal, attributing it to the state's failure to provide accounts of earlier monetary assistance.

Banerjee's statements underscore the urgency for the release of allocated funds owed to West Bengal, echoing the significant impact it would have on the state's social welfare initiatives and developmental projects.