Mamata Slams New Central Norms for MGNREGA, Vows to Run State’s Own Work Scheme

RAJESH SHARMA, EOI, COOCH BEHAR, DEC 9, 2025: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday tore up a note outlining new MGNREGA norms at a public meeting here, calling it a "valueless and insulting" diktat and vowing that the state would run its own work scheme without seeking "Delhi's charity."

A major portion of her speech focused on the ongoing dispute over MGNREGA, the 100 days’ guaranteed employment scheme. She criticized the Centre for imposing new conditions before releasing funds. Holding a document aloft, she tore it up on the stage, calling it “humiliating and unacceptable.”

“After one year, they suddenly sent us a letter saying new conditions will apply from December 6. They want quarterly labour budgets, only 10 workers per village, and mandatory training before work. Elections are ahead. How is this even possible?” she questioned.

She claimed Bengal had already completed 75 days’ work and would continue the programme with or without Central funds. “We will come back to power. Under Karmashree, we are giving 70 days of work. We will increase it to 100 days. We don't want your mercy,” she said.

Mamata also alleged that the Election Commission would announce t