Mamata meets PM, calls for release of pending central funds

The Trinamool Congress chairperson was accompanied by nine party MPs including party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee along with a delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and sought “release of funds due to the State without further delay and without political considerations”.

“If there are issues, the Centre can stop the money. 155 Central teams have visited West Bengal. Whatever clarifications they sought, our officers have provided. We have not got the funds so far. I have met the Prime Minister three times in the past and today I met him again,” Ms. Banerjee said after the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister listened patiently and said officers of the Centre and State can meet on the issue and take a decision. “In the federal structure the Central government has a share (of funds) and the State government also has a share. Funds meant for the poor must be released,” Ms. Banerjee said.

The Trinamool Congress chairperson was accompanied by nine party MPs including party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The issue of delay in the release of funds to key schemes like MGNREGA has emerged as an important political issue with protests being organised by the Trinamool Congress leadership. According to the Ministry of Rural Development funds to West Bengal have been stalled under Section 27 of MGNREGA Act on grounds of corruption in the implementation of the scheme.

The Chief Minister also handed over a letter to the Prime Minister which stated that despite-our excellent all round performance, we are not getting our share of resources from the central pool, which rightfully belongs to the people of the state.

“There is a due of nearly ₹1.16 lakh crore from Government of India on account of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and pending claims for natural disasters over the years. The outstanding dues include ‘core of the core’ social schemes like MGNREGS, PMAY, PMGSY, NHM etc.,” the CM’s memorandum to the Prime Minister said.