Mixed performance by West Bengal in implementation of big central schemes

The state has been a top performer in FY21 on Central schemes like MGNREGA, But its performance in distribution of free grains during the lockdown to the poor had been dismal

One of the most common complaints against the incumbent government in West Bengal is that it has shown the door to two flagship schemes of the central government. The Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress government has not brought the state on board PM-KISAN and Ayushman Bharat.

This has deprived almost eight million farmers and a significant number of poor, of additional benefits, even though they continue to get benefits from state government schemes.

If we look at West Bengal's performance in wholly centrally funded schemes and centrally sponsored ones (where Centre and the state spend in a pre-defined ratio),