The Central Government has approved a fresh package of rural development initiatives for West Bengal, including ₹1,000 crore for the construction and upgradation of rural roads and the sanction of one lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G). The approvals are expected to strengthen rural infrastructure, improve connectivity and accelerate housing development across the state.
The announcements were made by Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who also approved ₹8,508 crore under rural employment programmes to support livelihood generation and infrastructure creation in the state. The Centre said the latest approvals reflect its commitment to expanding rural infrastructure and improving living standards through targeted development schemes.
The allocation for rural roads will be utilised under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to improve all-weather connectivity in villages, facilitating better access to markets, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other essential services. Improved road infrastructure is also expected to enhance the movement of agricultural produce and strengthen rural economic activity.
Under the housing initiative, one lakh beneficiaries in West Bengal will receive assistance to construct permanent homes under PMAY-G, advancing the government’s objective of providing quality housing to eligible rural households. The scheme is aimed at improving living conditions while promoting inclusive rural development.
The Centre also indicated that infrastructure projects worth ₹82,492 crore, which had remained stalled, are expected to progress more rapidly with improved coordination between the Union and the state governments. Officials expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation would help expedite project execution and maximise the benefits of public infrastructure investments.
The latest approvals are expected to provide a significant boost to West Bengal’s rural development agenda by strengthening road connectivity, expanding affordable housing and supporting employment generation, while contributing to long-term socio-economic growth across the state’s rural regions.