TMC leader requests removal from housing list after two-story home construction

Sukumar Chattopadhyay, the electricity chairperson of the Shatna Panchayat Samiti in Bankura, has requested the removal of his name from the state's housing scheme beneficiary list. His name had appeared in the list, which is intended for families lacking adequate housing. Chattopadhyay owns a two-story concrete house located in Dubra village, which was completed after the survey for the housing list had been conducted. The house, though newly built, is not a recent addition, but was constructed within the past few years.

Chattopadhyay explained that when the survey for the housing list was conducted, he was living in a mud house. Due to the survey criteria, which took into account his then-existing living conditions, his name was included in the list of housing beneficiaries. In his statement, Chattopadhyay clarified, "When the survey was conducted, I did not have a concrete house, and my name was placed accordingly. Later, I constructed a two-story house." He further explained that after completing the house, he decided to request the removal of his name, as he no longer met the criteria for receiving housing assistance under the scheme.

The government’s housing scheme aims to provide homes to families who lack adequate shelter. The inclusion of Chattopadhyay’s name in the list was based on the information available during the survey, which noted that he was living in a mud house at that time. As part of the housing scheme's process, eligibility is determined through a survey of families' living conditions, and it is common for names to be added or removed depending on the status of the beneficiaries' housing.

Following Chattopadhyay’s request, local authorities will review the list of beneficiaries to ensure that it accurately reflects the current living conditions of applicants. The state government has implemented a process to review and verify housing allocations, particularly for those who may have constructed homes or made significant improvements after the initial survey. According to government officials, this process is intended to ensure that only those in genuine need of housing support receive the benefits of the scheme.

The housing program, which is managed at the local panchayat level, has been the subject of scrutiny in several regions. Critics have raised concerns about the accuracy of surveys and whether the benefits are reaching the most deserving recipients. Housing schemes are often monitored to ensure that they meet the intended objectives of providing secure and adequate housing to families in need. Chattopadhyay’s case, while being an individual instance, highlights the importance of verifying the eligibility of beneficiaries regularly, especially in the context of changing living conditions.