‘If they fulfil compliances, we will definitely give it’: Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on releasing funds to West Bengal

“Jo compliances maange hai kendra ne vo raajya poora karega to ham log jaroor denge. (If the state fulfills compliances as asked by the Centre, we will definitely give it.),” Chouhan said, replying to a query during a press conference.

Chouhan said, “If the specific purpose for which we are giving money is not fulfilled by anyone; the name of the scheme is changed; ineligible people are made eligible, eligible people are made ineligible; big work is given in small installments to misuse it; if the criteria are not followed then should not we seek answer? Should we keep giving money even in such a situation?”

“So wherever there is any irregularity, the Centre has the right to inquire, investigate. Investigation was done, irregularities were found. Now if any irregularity is found, the Centre will have to take action,” he said, adding: “We will take action wherever it (irregularity) is found. If it is found in any state, we will take action. We are committed to take action.”

Chouhan mentioned that the Centre has released funds to West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in which no irregularities were detected in the state.

As per West Bengal government sources, total dues of about Rs 18,000 crore are pending under three rural development schemes—MGNRGES, PMAY-G, and PMGSY.

On October 20, last year, the then Rural Development Minister, Giriraj Singh, had said that the Centre would release funds to West Bengal under the MGNREGS and PMAY-G on the day it is “satisfied” about “transparency” in the state. Since then, several meetings at officers level have been held, but the state is yet to receive funds.