Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, January 11, 2025, Kolkata: A protest broke out in Salt Lake on Saturday, raising questions about the central government’s delay in releasing funds for the 100 days of work scheme, which has been pending for three years. Members of several organizations, including the West Bengal Farmer’s Association and the Workers’ Women’s Association, gathered in front of the BJP state office in Sector Five, demanding an explanation for the state’s deprivation of the funds.
The protesters, numbering around 100, voiced their frustration with the slogan: “Why is the BJP government not getting the money for 100 days of work for three years? Answer me!” The situation grew tense as the protest escalated, and the demonstrators directed their chants towards BJP Rajya Sabha MP Shamik Bhattacharya, who arrived at the office during the protest.
In response to the growing unrest, Bhattacharya, visibly agitated, urged the protesters to address their concerns with the state government at Nabanna, insisting, “This is not a government office, this is a BJP office.” He also made allegations that the protesters were politically motivated and threatened to have them removed if the police did not intervene. However, the protesters remained firm in their demand for a resolution.
After some time, Bhattacharya agreed to meet with a delegation of five protesters. The group submitted a deputation to him, urging action on the issue of the 100 days of work funding. Following the meeting, Bhattacharya addressed the crowd outside the office, stating that he would bring the matter to the attention of the central government. He promised to provide an update on the situation by February 7.
The issue of delayed payments for the 100 days of work scheme has been a point of contention between the state and central governments for years. Despite repeated appeals from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, including strong demands from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the central government has not yet released the owed funds. As protests continue, the central government’s response remains awaited.