Mamata Banerjee Launches Banglar Bari Housing Initiative

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the “Banglar Bari” housing scheme, a state-funded initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to the people of West Bengal. This move comes as a response to the alleged negligence by the BJP-led Central government regarding the distribution of funds under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY). The launch, which took place at the state secretariat Nabanna, involved the handing over of the first installment of Rs 60,000 to 42 beneficiaries across 21 districts.

Key Highlights of the “Banglar Bari” Scheme

Launch of the Scheme

• Mamata Banerjee officially launched the “Banglar Bari” project, an affordable housing scheme for the rural population of West Bengal, at the Nabanna Secretariat.

First Installment Distribution

• The first installment of Rs 60,000 was distributed to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts.

Number of Beneficiaries

• A survey identified over 28 lakh beneficiaries. An additional 16 lakh people are expected to receive housing assistance before the 2026 Assembly elections.

Funding Sources

• The scheme is entirely funded by the state government, with an expenditure of Rs 14,773 crore. The state is committed to bearing the costs if the Centre does not contribute.

Phases of Payment

• Beneficiaries will receive the housing allowance in two phases, with an increased amount (Rs 1.30 lakh) for beneficiaries in remote areas like Junglemahal.

Accusations Against the Centre

• Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of depriving the poor of their rightful dues under the PMAY for the last three years, stating that the Centre has not sent a single rupee for the program.

Project Timeline

• The state government aims to pay 8 lakh beneficiaries by May-June 2025 and the remaining 8 lakh by December 2025.

Gangasagar Bridge Proposal

• Additionally, Mamata Banerjee announced plans for the construction of a 5-km-long bridge, “Gangasagar Sethu,” to connect the mainland with Sagar Island. This project is expected to cost Rs 1,500 crore and will be funded entirely by the state government, as the Centre has not responded to earlier appeals.