10,000 Banglar Bari beneficiaries found ineligible, Nabanna starts recovering funds

The West Bengal government has identified nearly 10,000 beneficiaries who allegedly received financial assistance under the Banglar Bari housing scheme in violation of eligibility rules. Authorities have initiated the process of recovering funds from individuals found to have received benefits improperly. District administrations have been directed to complete verification and begin recovery proceedings in cases where ineligibility has been established.

The action follows a statewide review of beneficiaries under the housing scheme. Under the first phase of Banglar Bari, approximately 1.2 million beneficiaries received housing assistance of ₹120,000 each. The government is also preparing to extend benefits to another 1.6 million people in the second phase. Following a review ordered after the change in government, officials began examining beneficiary lists to identify alleged irregularities and rule violations.

According to government directives, authorities found cases where individuals allegedly received assistance despite being ineligible, obtained benefits for multiple houses, or received housing support despite already owning permanent houses. Officials stated that the number of irregular beneficiaries identified in the second phase appears to be higher than those detected during the first phase. A detailed district-wise verification process is currently underway to determine the extent of the irregularities.

The Chief Secretary directed the Panchayat and Rural Development Department to conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme after allegations emerged regarding improper allocation of benefits and financial losses to the government. Subsequently, instructions were issued for the re-verification of beneficiaries from both Phase I and Phase II of the scheme. Cases identified during the verification process may undergo additional scrutiny where required.

Under the latest instructions, funds recovered from ineligible beneficiaries must be deposited under the designated Treasury Head of Account through TR Form-7. Block administrations have been directed to update recovered amounts in the scheme's recovery module and upload supporting documents. District authorities have also been instructed to submit final verification and recovery reports along with certification confirming that the review process was conducted with due diligence.