Despite the Calcutta High Court settling the matter last year and issuing directives, West Bengal has yet to launch the 100-day work scheme. Due to the delay, a fresh case has now been filed, drawing strong criticism from the High Court.
During Wednesday's hearing, the Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul expressed concern over the delay, emphasising that the court's priority is ensuring that workers receive the money owed to them.
Court seeks resolution between State and Union
The current case involves multiple issues. While petitioners demand the immediate restart of the 100-day work scheme, contractors have also filed complaints claiming they have not been paid for supplying equipment to the project. During the hearing, the High Court directed the Union government to submit its statement through an affidavit.
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The state government's counsel argued that despite repeated requests, the Union government has not released the outstanding funds. The state has been using its own treasury to keep the project running, forcing it to approach the court for relief. In contrast, the Union government contended that the state has no right to join the case and alleged significant discrepancies between the funds provided and the money spent by the state.
Delays affecting poor workers
The main petitioners' lawyer reminded the court that its previous order directed the resumption of the 100-day work scheme by August 1, 2025, but this has not been implemented. Petitioners argued that the ongoing dispute between the state and Union governments is harming poor workers, who continue to be deprived of wages. The Union government has been asked to submit an affidavit stating its position by February 2, with the next hearing scheduled for February 17.
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The High Court has emphasised that its hearings are focused on ensuring the timely delivery of wages to workers and that all parties must cooperate to resolve the issue quickly.
