The Bangla Awas Yojana (also known as Banglar Bari) is an initiative launched by the Government of West Bengal aimed at providing affordable housing to the economically weaker sections of society. The scheme focuses on ensuring that every citizen has access to a safe and secure home, thereby promoting the overall well-being and development of the community.
Launched in 2016-17 under the larger framework of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), it has evolved into a state-led initiative ensuring secure and dignified living conditions for all eligible beneficiaries.
Objectives of Bangla Awas Yojana
The primary objective of the Bangla Awas Yojana is to eliminate housing inadequacies in rural areas by 2024.
The scheme ensures the construction of pucca houses equipped with basic amenities, including a hygienic cooking space, for all houseless households and those living in kutcha or dilapidated homes.
Overview
| Scheme Name | Bangla Awas Yojana (Bangla Bari) |
| Objective | Provide pucca houses to homeless and dilapidated households |
| Launch year | 2016-2017 |
| Minimum Floor Area | 25 sq. m. including hygienic cooking space |
| Financial Assistance | ₹1.2 lakhs (₹1.3 lakhs for difficult areas) |
| 90-95 days of unskilled labour under MGNREGA | 1st: ₹60,000, 2nd: ₹50,000, 3rd: ₹10,000 |
| Funding Pattern | Central: 60%, State: 40% (State: 100% since 2022) |
| Labor Wage Support | Based on the Permanent Waiting List (PWL) from SECC 2011 |
| Mode of Application | Online MIS system via AwaasSoft |
| Beneficiary Selection | Based on Permanent Waiting List (PWL) from SECC 2011 |
Benefits of Bangla Awas Yojana
The Bangla Awas yojana presents the following benefits:
Direct Financial Assistance:
Beneficiaries receive financial support in three instalments:
- 1st installment: ₹60,000
- 2nd installment: ₹50,000 (or ₹60,000 for difficult areas)
- 3rd installment: ₹10,000
Funds are credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Labour Support:
Beneficiaries are entitled to 90-95 days of unskilled labour wages under MGNREGA, easing the burden of construction labour costs.
Toilet Construction Assistance:
Additional support under the Mission Pure Bangla project ensures hygienic living conditions.
Enhanced Living Standards:
The provision of durable houses with basic amenities improves the overall quality of life.
Employment Opportunities:
The Rural Mason Training Program addresses the shortage of skilled masons in rural areas, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Bangla Awas Yojana, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen and a permanent resident of West Bengal.
- Age: Minimum 18 years.
- Annual income: Between ₹3 lakh and ₹6 lakh.
- Must have a ration card or be listed in the BPL category.
- Families without permanent shelter or living in kutcha/dilapidated houses.
- Social parameters:
- No literate adult member above 25 years.
- No adult male member between 16-59 years.
- Households with disabled members and no able-bodied persons.
- Dependence on casual labour for income.
- Priority for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Minorities.
Required Documents
Applicants need to provide the following documents:
- Aadhaar card
- Recent photograph
- Bank/Post Office passbook
- Valid mobile number
- Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) registration number
- Voter card/Ration card/BPL card (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Application Process
The Bangla Awas Yojana does not require direct online applications, as beneficiaries are selected from a pre-existing Permanent Wait List (PWL) prepared using the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Document Collection:
- Gather all required documents.
- Visit your local gram panchayat, block office, or municipal housing department.
Data Entry via AwaasSoft:
- Officials log in to the PMAY-G portal (https://pmayg.nic.in/netiayHome/home.aspx).
- Navigate to the “AwaasSoft” menu and select “Data Entry.”
- Complete the beneficiary registration form with details like:
- Panchayat name, social category, household and beneficiary details.
- Bank account details, job card number, and disability information (if applicable).
Approval Process:
Applications are reviewed, and houses are allocated based on the priority list.
Fund Disbursement:
Approved beneficiaries receive funds in three instalments, credited directly to their bank accounts.
Recent Updates:
In a significant development, the West Bengal government announced a major milestone under the Bangla Awas Yojana ahead of Christmas 2024.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the disbursement of funds for 12 lakh families, benefiting approximately 50 lakh individuals.
Starting December 19, the first instalment of ₹60,000 was credited to beneficiaries’ accounts. The state government has allocated ₹6,600 crore for the first phase of this initiative, ensuring timely financial support to eligible households. By December 30, all listed beneficiaries are expected to receive their funds.
FAQs
What is the objective of the Bangla Awas Yojana?
The scheme aims to provide pucca houses with basic amenities to houseless families and those living in kutcha or dilapidated homes in rural areas.
Who funds the scheme?
Initially, the scheme was funded jointly by the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio. Since 2022, the West Bengal government has been providing 100% funding.
How are beneficiaries selected?
Beneficiaries are selected from a Permanent Wait List (PWL) prepared using SECC 2011 data.
Can I apply directly online?
No, beneficiaries are identified through the PWL, and applications are processed via local authorities.
What assistance is provided under the scheme?
Financial assistance of ₹1.2 – ₹1.3 lakh per house, 90-95 person-days of labour under MGNREGA, and support for toilet construction.
Conclusion
The Bangla Awas Yojana stands as a testament to West Bengal’s commitment to ensuring dignified housing for its rural population. By addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and providing them with secure, durable homes, the scheme has positively impacted millions of lives. With streamlined processes, financial assistance, and a focus on inclusivity, Banglar Bari is not just about housing but a pathway to improved living standards and economic stability for rural communities.
Vikas Kumar holds an MA in Political Science and has a strong background in government projects, having worked on various contractual initiatives aimed at public welfare. He created this website to share essential updates on government schemes, aiming to empower citizens with the information they need to access valuable resources.
