Union Minister clarifies MGNREGA fund allocation in Lok Sabha, stating Tamil Nadu received more funds than Uttar Pradesh, while West Bengal faced misuse allegations. Opposition MPs protested.
Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed uproar on Tuesday when Union Minister Chandrasekhar Pemmasani presented information on MGNREGA funds allocated to various states. The minister stated that Tamil Nadu received more funds in a fiscal year than Uttar Pradesh.
Controversy over higher fund allocation to Tamil Nadu
DMK MPs protested this statement. Pemmasani explained that Uttar Pradesh's population exceeds 20 crore, while Tamil Nadu's population is around 7 crore. He clarified that the central government has never discriminated against any state. He asserted that MGNREGA funds are demand-driven and no state faced discrimination.
Allegations of fund misuse in West Bengal
The Union Minister also raised concerns about alleged misuse of MGNREGA funds in West Bengal. Pemmasani stated that several irregularities were found, with the audit team identifying 44 instances of financial irregularities. He reported a financial discrepancy of ₹5.37 crore, of which ₹2.39 crore has been recovered.
Interest on delayed payments
The minister stated that if payments are delayed by more than 15 days, workers receive payments with interest. He added that this provision was included in MGNREGA under the UPA government and is being followed.
Tamil Nadu received over ₹10,000 crore in funds
Minister Chandrasekhar stated that Tamil Nadu has already received ₹7,300 crore in this fiscal year and over ₹10,000 crore previously. He clarified that there was no question of bias.
No discrimination against states: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also addressed the issue, stating that the Modi government has never discriminated against any state. He added that pending MGNREGA dues would be released soon and there is no question of discrimination among states.
Protests and adjournment of the House
Following these statements, DMK and TMC MPs staged a b protest. Congress and Samajwadi Party members also joined the protest, entering the well of the house. Due to the protests, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned until 12 noon.
