The average MGNREGA wage increase across India is ₹28 per day, bringing the average wage for 2024-25 to ₹289 as against ₹261 for FY’23-24. 

The ED was conducting searches at the residence of a West Bengal Civil Services (WBCS) officer in Salt Lake's IA Block. He was earlier posted as a block development officer in Dhaniakhali in Hooghly district, they said.

Senior TMC leader Shashi Panja asserted, “This is an attempt to divert public and media’s attention from the TMC’s ongoing dharna demanding clearance of state’s dues. This is a clear example of vendetta politics.” However, the West Bengal BJP dismissed these allegations as “baseless”.

West Bengal has 21 lakh MGNREGA workers. Funds of whom have been withheld by the Centre, claim the TMC. The West Bengal state government has called out the Centre on several occasions to clear the dues.

The protest, which will continue for 48 hours, is taking place near Red Road, Maidan. CM Banerjee is spearheading the agitation, where other party leaders are also present.

Banerjee’s visit to New Delhi will be after her 48-hour dharna in the city from Friday to press upon the Centre to clear the state’s dues