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The Bengal Housing Scheme, aimed at providing homes for the economically disadvantaged, is facing controversy after it was revealed that over 12,000 beneficiaries who received funds under the scheme lack land to build homes. These beneficiaries had been allocated the first installment of ₹60,000 each, but they are unable to use it for construction due to not meeting the scheme's core eligibility requirement: ownership of land. The discovery has raised significant concerns regarding the eligibility and fairness of the scheme’s distribution process.

In response to the issue, the Panchayat Department has issued instructions to district officials to identify khas (vacant) land near the beneficiaries' locations. The department’s directive aims to resolve the problem by ensuring that land is provided to those who were allotted funds. District officials are currently working to find suitable land parcels to facilitate construction for these beneficiaries. According to the Panchayat Department, efforts are being made to rectify the situation and ensure that the allocated funds can be used by these beneficiaries.

The controversy intensified as several allegations surfaced about ineligible individuals benefiting from the scheme. Reports suggest that some of the beneficiaries who do not meet the land ownership requirement received funds through fraudulent means. It is alleged that certain individuals, including political figures, may have shown others' properties or fake claims of land ownership to receive the benefits under the scheme. This has led to public outcry, particularly from opposition parties who claim that the scheme’s resources are being misused by people who already own properties or have falsely presented claims to qualify for the financial aid.

To address these concerns, the state government has decided to arrange land and continue providing funds to the affected beneficiaries. Panchayat Minister Pradip Majumdar defended the actions, stating that the people in question are among the most economically disadvantaged in the state. He emphasized that the government is ensuring these individuals receive support for housing construction. Additionally, the state has expressed its commitment to completing the housing construction for beneficiaries by facilitating access to both land and financial assistance.

The Bengal Housing Scheme, which has been central to the state’s welfare initiatives, now faces challenges regarding the verification of beneficiary eligibility and the proper distribution of resources. As the Panchayat Department continues its efforts to find and allocate land, questions remain regarding how such discrepancies were overlooked during the initial allocation. The scheme is under review, and officials are working to ensure that all resources are utilized in accordance with the intended goals, benefiting only those who meet the necessary criteria.