West Bengal has begun implementing a series of key rural development programmes after receiving fresh approvals and financial support from the Union government, ending a prolonged period of uncertainty over centrally sponsored schemes in the state.

The revival includes the resumption of the 100-day employment guarantee programme, funding for rural road development and approval for the construction of nearly 10 lakh houses for economically weaker rural families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

According to senior state government officials, work under the employment guarantee scheme resumed across the state on Tuesday.

The state government has allocated ₹700 crore for carrying out projects during June, allowing all 2.56 crore job card holders to access employment opportunities before a new rural employment programme is introduced from July 1.

Officials indicated that West Bengal is expected to receive around ₹12,500 crore under the upcoming rural employment framework during the remainder of the current financial year, significantly boosting livelihood opportunities in villages.

Key takeaways

  • The 100-day employment scheme has resumed across West Bengal from June.
  • The state has earmarked ₹700 crore for employment-related works this month.
  • Around 2.56 crore job card holders are expected to benefit.
  • A new employment programme is scheduled to begin from July 1.
  • The Centre has approved ₹800 crore for rural road development projects.
  • Work on sanctioned road projects is expected to begin shortly.
  • Approval has been granted for the construction of 10 lakh PMAY houses in rural areas.
  • The state has intensified monitoring mechanisms to prevent fund misuse and ensure compliance.

Apart from employment generation, the Centre has cleared an initial proposal worth ₹800 crore for the construction and improvement of rural roads.

The state had earlier sought approval for developing around 2,700 kilometres of village roads at an estimated cost of ₹2,500 crore. Officials said the approved projects would be taken up in phases.

The housing sector has also received a major boost. The state administration has launched a survey to identify eligible beneficiaries under PMAY.

Authorities expect to finalise a permanent waiting list by mid-July, after which financial assistance for house construction could begin reaching beneficiaries by the end of the month.

At the same time, the government is taking precautions to ensure transparency in scheme implementation.

Central funding for several rural development programmes had earlier been halted over allegations of irregularities and misuse of funds.

Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal has directed district magistrates to strictly adhere to all guidelines prescribed by the Centre.

In a communication to district administrations, he stressed the need for better planning, stronger supervision, timely verification of work, improved record maintenance, social audits and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

Officials said the renewed focus would be on creating durable community assets through projects related to natural resource management, water conservation, irrigation, flood control, rural connectivity and livelihood enhancement.

The government believes strict oversight and improved accountability will be crucial to ensuring that the revived schemes deliver long-term benefits to rural communities across West Bengal.