Center Allocates ₹13,017 Crore to West Bengal Amid Tensions Over Pending Dues

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 11, 2025, Delhi: The ongoing tension between the central and state governments over financial disputes continues to escalate. For the past few years, the state of West Bengal has been embroiled in a conflict with the central government, accusing it of withholding funds. The state claims that the center has failed to pay outstanding dues, while the center argues that future allocations are contingent on the state accounting for the funds already disbursed.

In the midst of these strained relations, the central government has made a significant move by allocating ₹13,017 crore to West Bengal for taxes ahead of the Union Budget, which is set to be presented on February 1, 2025. The total allocation for the state this time amounts to ₹1,70,030 crore, according to official statements from the Modi government. This funding is intended to assist the state in carrying out crucial development projects and addressing various public welfare needs.

While the central government emphasizes that the funds will support Bengal’s development, the state government maintains that this allocation primarily represents money owed to them from previous financial commitments. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly pointed out that despite the state's top ranking in housing schemes, Bengal has received no financial assistance for such initiatives. She also claimed that the state’s poor population has been deprived for the past three years, prompting the state to allocate its own resources for welfare projects.

As the center's financial support may provide some relief, the state continues to highlight the pressing need for substantial investments in infrastructure and public welfare. The upcoming budget will likely be a critical moment in resolving these tensions, with both sides eager to secure the resources necessary for the state’s development and the well-being of its citizens.