What Actions is the Bengal Government Taking on the Banglar Bari Project?

Kolkata, Sep 8 (NationPress) The West Bengal Panchayat and Rural Development Department is taking decisive measures against individuals failing to properly utilize funds allocated under the government's housing initiative, ‘Banglar Bari’.

Sources indicate that if recipients do not appropriately use the housing construction grant, the government will implement measures to reclaim those funds. The primary aim of this initiative is to provide homes for those lacking shelter, hence, government resources cannot be diverted for other uses or left idle in bank accounts.

Following the cessation of central government funding for the housing scheme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took matters into her own hands by pledging state support for rural housing construction and launching the ‘Banglar Bari’ project.

Reports from various districts reveal that some beneficiaries are hoarding funds in their bank accounts, failing to commence construction of their homes. Others have misallocated the government grants for personal or unrelated expenses. Consequently, the Panchayat Department has directed district administrations to investigate the status of housing construction among beneficiaries. It has been indicated that funds will be withdrawn from accounts of those who do not initiate building even after receiving financial assistance.

State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Pradeep Majumdar emphasized that the government allocates funds to beneficiaries with the stipulation of constructing a home.

“There is a provision to reclaim the funds from those who do not construct a house, even with government assistance. We aim to ensure that the resources are utilized appropriately,” he stated.

Each family selected through the Banglar Bari project receives a total of Rs 1.20 lakh. The grant is disbursed in three installments: Rs 40,000 for the first, Rs 40,000 for the second, and the final Rs 40,000 upon completion of the house.

According to guidelines, homes are expected to be completed within 12 months of the first installment. Extensions may be granted based on the work progress. It was later decided to provide funds in two installments instead of three.

The initial funds were allocated in December 2024, distributing Rs 60,000 directly to the bank accounts of around 12 lakh families. In May 2025, the Chief Minister announced distribution of another Rs 60,000 as the second installment, totaling Rs 1.20 lakh for 12 lakh beneficiaries.

The state government reports that 28 lakh families have been identified under the Banglar Bari project. Out of these, 12 lakh families have already received the initial grants. The remaining 16 lakh families are scheduled to receive their benefits in December 2025 and May 2026.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the inclusion of an additional 16 lakh families in the project, indicating that housing assistance will ultimately reach approximately 50 lakh beneficiaries.