Malda's Dumsa Dangi village excluded from Awas Plus Housing list; Residents furious over neglect

Dumsa Dangi, a village in the Harishchandrapur 1 block of Maldah district, West Bengal, has been excluded from the Awas Plus housing list, sparking anger among its residents. The village, which houses over 200 families, has been severely affected by the aftermath of the 2017 floods that devastated homes and left many without proper shelter. Despite repeated requests for assistance, none of the village's residents have been included in the housing scheme that aims to provide permanent homes to marginalized families.

The majority of Dumsa Dangi's population comprises daily wage earners, with many working as migrant laborers. Due to financial constraints, most families live in temporary shelters. These makeshift homes, often constructed from tarpaulins, tin sheets, and tiles, provide minimal protection from harsh weather conditions, leaving residents vulnerable to the elements. The village is yet to recover from the 2017 floods, and the exclusion from the Awas Plus list has compounded the villagers' struggles for a stable living environment.

Local residents, including Punya Mishra, Bakni Mishra, and Binoy Mishra, have voiced their dissatisfaction with the list, claiming that individuals with permanent homes have been included while they, living in makeshift shelters, have been left out. These residents have raised concerns about the selection criteria for the Awas Plus housing survey and the fairness of the process. The community argues that their ongoing hardship has been ignored, and they have demanded that the authorities reassess the list and ensure that the most vulnerable families are prioritized.

The Awas Plus housing survey for Harishchandrapur 1 block was first conducted in 2018, with 18,000 families listed as eligible. However, a subsequent survey in 2022 reduced this number significantly, bringing the count down to 9,222 families. In response to complaints, a fresh survey was initiated on October 21, 2024, and will continue until November 14, 2024. Block Development Officer (BDO) Soumen Mondal confirmed that the survey process is ongoing and assured that he would investigate why Dumsa Dangi's residents were excluded. Mondal stated that he would review the criteria used for listing families and ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are adequately addressed.

In addition to housing issues, the residents of Dumsa Dangi face challenges in accessing basic amenities, such as clean water, healthcare, and education. Many families rely on government schemes for food and other essential services. The village has been grappling with these issues for years, with little progress made in improving the standard of living for its residents.