Allegations of irregularities in Bengal housing scheme trigger outrage in Bengal's Katwa

Residents of Kuara village in Katwa 2 block have raised serious concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the Bengal Housing Scheme. The village, situated in the Polsna Panchayat, is home to approximately 3,500 voters and nearly 1,000 families. Recent reports suggest that the beneficiary list for the housing project includes 306 names, of which community members claim that around 70% belong to ineligible households. This has led to widespread discontent among those who feel they have been unjustly excluded.

According to villagers, many families living in mud houses have not been included on the beneficiary list despite their financial struggles and urgent need for permanent housing. Residents argue that the criteria used to determine eligibility may not have accurately reflected the needs of the community. Complaints include assertions that the selection process lacked transparency and did not take into account the socio-economic conditions of the applicants.

In response to the growing discontent, Block Development Officer (BDO) Asif Ansari has acknowledged the issues raised by the villagers. Ansari stated that the government has initiated a review process aimed at verifying the eligibility of those on the current beneficiary list. He assured residents that eligible candidates would be included in a revised list following thorough assessments. Panchayat member Bipula Ghosh also emphasized the commitment to addressing community grievances and improving the accuracy of the beneficiary selection process.

Political reactions have also emerged, particularly from local leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who are calling for accountability regarding the compilation of the beneficiary list. BJP leader Surya Ghosh has demanded an investigation into the procedures used to determine eligibility and the criteria that led to the exclusion of deserving families. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that government resources are fairly allocated to those who need them most. As the review process unfolds, residents of Kuara village remain hopeful for a resolution that addresses their housing needs.