The West Bengal government on Thursday handed over the second installment of ₹60,000 to 10.2 lakh people under the Banglar Bari Gramin (BBG) scheme, renamed as Paschim Banga Awas (PBA). The government handed over cheques to 10 people at the state secretariat, Nabanna. One of the beneficiaries was from the Muslim community, Zairuddin Khan, hailing from Howrah. The message was clear, go beyond political party affiliations and religion and pass on Central and state welfare scheme benefits to eligible beneficiaries. Beneficiaries get a total amount of ₹1.2 lakh in two installments.
“Those who have not applied for the scheme, should apply. We will not differentiate between party or religion. We will only see whether you are eligible. The Centre will help and the state is ready to give its share,” said Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari while referring to the central housing scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY). The CM asked beneficiaries of the PBA scheme to avail other central government welfare schemes like the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which will help beneficiaries install rooftop solar panels and save on electricity bills.
“The new government will work for betterment of people. The state government is giving more than ₹600 crore from its funds for the second phase,” said Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal adding that there will be complete transparency and no ‘cut money’ or ‘syndicates’ involved.
The BBG scheme began under the erstwhile Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, where more than 18 lakh beneficiaries received ₹60,000 as their first installment. A fresh enquiry was conducted by the West Bengal Panchayat department, Block Development Officer and Sub Divisional Officers and it was found that many of these beneficiaries have not completed the construction of the first phase of their house after getting the money.
“Around 12,500 people are ineligible and have taken money illegally. We will take action against them. Further enquiry is being done. We will look to take back the money from illegal beneficiaries. Recovery has started with 1,000 people while the rest are being given notices,” said Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Dilip Ghosh.
Ghosh also explained that 91 lakh people whose names have been removed from the voter list after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and illegal voters have been beneficiaries of the rural housing scheme in the first phase. Around 57,000 names will go off the list.
