Kolkata: In a strategic move ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee have announced a new housing initiative. The Bengal government will offer financial aid to over 1.1 million families under the newly launched Banglar Awas Yojana (BAY) to help them build permanent homes. This move comes after the central government withheld ₹8,200 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for over two years.
At a meeting held at Nabanna, the state’s administrative headquarters, it was decided that each beneficiary family would receive ₹1.2 lakh in three installments. The first installment of ₹60,000 is set to be distributed by December 20, followed by ₹40,000 and ₹20,000 in subsequent phases. This initiative is expected to have a significant political impact, given that the final installment will be disbursed just months before the 2026 elections.
Political analysts believe this is a calculated move similar to the successful Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, which had a strong electoral influence during previous elections. Like that program, this new housing initiative is likely to boost the ruling party’s support base, particularly in rural areas.
One senior government official highlighted that the housing project could indirectly benefit up to 4.4 million people, assuming an average of four members per family. Additionally, the state government might also display Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s photo on the plaques outside the newly constructed homes, mirroring the practice under PMAY, where plaques carry Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s name.
The decision to implement the Banglar Awas Yojana stems from concerns that the central government’s delay in releasing funds might harm the state’s housing goals. The state government has therefore committed to providing funds from its treasury. With the cost estimated at ₹14,000 crore, the funds will be distributed across two financial years, with half allocated from the current fiscal year’s budget and the rest in the next fiscal year.
To ensure transparency and prevent misuse of funds, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant emphasized strict vigilance in selecting beneficiaries. The government is aware that allegations of corruption could lead to legal challenges, which might delay the project.
While the state’s financial situation remains tight, officials believe this phased approach will enable the program to roll out without major fiscal disruptions. The proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the scheme will soon be presented to the state cabinet, following which Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to make an official announcement.