State sends SoP to DMs on how to carry out surveillance on ‘Banglar Bari’ progress

Kolkata: The state Panchayat department has sent a standard operating procedure (SoP) to the district magistrates (DMs) on how to carry out a surveillance on the progress in the construction of houses of each individual beneficiary under the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme.

Panchayat officials will visit the places and carry out an inspection if the construction of houses begins or in which stage it is. State government has been keeping an eye on the progress of the construction of houses through the district administration. The main purpose is that the government’s money is not misused. The Panchayat officials after carrying out a survey will submit a report to the BDOs. The district administration will review if any individual beneficiaries were facing any difficulties in the construction of their houses under the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme. The Bengal government has credited the first installment of Rs 60,000 to 12 lakh beneficiaries on their bank accounts for constructing houses under the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme. State Panchayat department has also directed the BDOs to ensure that the beneficiaries can avail the building materials at reasonable price and the suppliers cannot increase the price as there will be a demand for these materials.

As per the SoP, the first phase work should be completed within 3-6 months after which the second installment will be given. The beneficiaries will have to complete the house within 3 months after the second installment is credited to their bank accounts. The department has asked to open control rooms at the BDO offices. The Panchayat department has already issued guidelines to all the districts giving an outline about the stipulated time within which the construction works should be completed and how much work progress is required to seek the second installment. The remaining 16 lakh beneficiaries will also receive their share by January 2026. Among these 16 lakh, 8 lakh will receive funds in May-June 2025 and the rest by December-January.