Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the rebranding of the 'Banglar Bari' scheme to 'Paschim Banga Awas' and released the final tranche of assistance to more than 10 lakh families. The initiative, stalled under the previous TMC government, is now back in action.

Key Takeaways

  • The scheme is renamed to ‘Paschim Banga Awas’.
  • 10,20,379 beneficiaries received a final installment of ₹60,000 each.
  • Total outlay exceeds ₹6,000 crore.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on August 6, 2026 that the state cabinet has renamed the housing scheme ‘Banglar Bari’ to ‘Paschim Banga Awas’. In tandem, the final tranche of ₹60,000 per family was disbursed to over 10 lakh beneficiaries, bringing the total expenditure to more than ₹6,000 crore.

The second and final tranche covered 10,20,379 families, while a fresh batch of beneficiaries will receive their first installment after the Durga Puja celebrations in October. Under the scheme, each family receives a total of ₹1.20 lakh in two installments to construct a house.

Historical Background

The program lay dormant during the previous Trinamool Congress rule. In 2024, former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the initiative, two years after the Centre halted funding for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) in the state amid corruption allegations.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that reviving the housing scheme not only addresses a critical rural housing shortage but also signals a political shift toward welfare‑centric governance in West Bengal, potentially influencing upcoming elections.

"Consistent funding and transparent implementation are vital for the long‑term success of any large‑scale housing initiative," says Dr. Arindam Chakraborty, urban development expert.
Did You Know?: West Bengal saw a 30% drop in rural housing scheme funding between 2019 and 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What documents are required to apply for the new scheme?

A: Income certificate, land ownership proof, and identity documents of family members.

Q2: Will existing beneficiaries need to re‑apply?

A: No, current beneficiaries will be automatically transferred to the renamed scheme.