Centre–state relations in West Bengal are expected to improve under the new BJP government, with several stalled central schemes likely to regain momentum under a “double-engine government” framework, senior officials said on Sunday.
According to government sources, efforts are under way to revive pending projects and release funds across sectors such as rural development, healthcare, drinking water and employment generation, which had been held up amid earlier administrative and political differences.
Among the key programmes under review is the Jal Jeevan Mission, with nearly ₹2,700 crore in pending dues discussed during a recent high-level meeting between Union and state officials. The meeting, attended by senior representatives from the Union Jal Shakti Ministry and the state government, focused on implementation status, fund allocation and outstanding payments.
“A broad understanding has emerged between the Centre and the state. Formal modalities are being worked out, and we expect movement on several pending issues soon,” a senior state bureaucrat said.
Officials indicated that fund flows linked to centrally sponsored schemes in rural development, Panchayati Raj, health and education are also likely to resume in phases.
A key area of focus is the Ayushman Bharat, which had remained non-operational in the state for a prolonged period. Preliminary discussions between officials of the National Health Mission and the state health department have already taken place regarding its rollout.
“The discussions have been constructive so far. If things move according to plan, the rollout process could begin within the next few months,” a senior health department official said.
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The Centre is also considering restoring fund flow under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act scheme, which had faced implementation challenges earlier due to disputes over data-sharing and administrative procedures.
Similarly, discussions have resumed on streamlining and expanding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme in the state. Officials said earlier reluctance to share beneficiary data had slowed its rollout, though efforts are now being made to improve coverage.
Central sources said political friction and a trust deficit between the previous state administration and the Centre had hampered coordination and delayed implementation of several welfare programmes.
“With the change in government, the trust deficit has reduced substantially. That is expected to ease administrative coordination and speed up implementation,” a senior official said.
Talks are also under way on implementing aspects of the National Education Policy and reviving pilot projects linked to Panchayati Raj institutions that had not been fully rolled out earlier.
Observers believe that improved coordination between the Centre and the state could accelerate infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and rural welfare initiatives in West Bengal.
However, sections of the Opposition have alleged that the Centre may seek to leverage the renewed cooperation for political gains, potentially triggering fresh debate in the state.
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