Bengal ration dealer accused of using PM housing scheme funds to build illegal home stay

Manas Das, a ration dealer in Taki Municipality, is facing allegations of misusing funds from the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme. Das was initially allotted a single-story house under the scheme in 2019-2020. However, reports indicate that he used the funds intended for the housing project to expand the property into a two-story building and later added a third floor. The property, originally intended for residential use, has now reportedly been converted into a commercial home stay called “Ichhe Dana,” with a signboard displayed outside.

Taki Municipality officials have confirmed that no permission was granted for the construction of the additional floors. According to local sources, Das was initially approved for a two-story house, but the construction of the third floor was carried out without the required authorization. The home stay, which operates as a business, has raised concerns among local residents, as the housing scheme’s funds are meant for residential housing, not commercial activities.

Councilor Faruk Gazi of Ward No. 3, where the property is located, stated that no approval was given for the creation of a home stay at the site. He also confirmed that the construction of the third floor was unauthorized. Gazi added that the original plan for the house was for a two-story structure and that no permits for the home stay business or additional floors were issued by the municipality.

In response to the allegations, the local municipal authorities issued a notice to Manas Das, informing him that the use of the government-funded house as a home stay is not allowed. They clarified that government housing funds, allocated under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme, are designated for residential purposes and not for commercial use. Additionally, the authorities noted that no trade license had been issued for the home stay, and that the construction of the third floor was done without official approval.