West Bengal Housing Board Schemes: Bridging Housing Needs with Affordability

The West Bengal Housing Board (WBHB), established in 1972, has been a beacon of hope for residents seeking affordable and quality housing solutions across the state. Over the decades, WBHB has introduced numerous schemes targeting various income groups, striving to address the growing demand for residential spaces in both urban and rural areas.

This blog delves deep into the major housing schemes, their objectives, eligibility criteria, application processes, recent developments, and future projects that continue to reshape the housing landscape in West Bengal.

Table of Contents

• West Bengal Housing Board
• Key Housing Schemes by WBHB
• Recent Developments and Upcoming Projects
• Key Features of WBHB Housing Schemes
• Submit Required Documents
• Challenges Faced by WBHB
• Benefits of WBHB Housing Schemes
• Latest News on West Bengal Housing Board 2024

About the West Bengal Housing Board

The WBHB operates under the aegis of the Housing Department, Government of West Bengal, with a mission to provide sustainable and affordable housing. Since its inception, the board has completed over 35,000 housing units, catering to multiple income groups. It aims to ensure transparency, affordability, and inclusivity in its schemes, offering homes that align with the financial capabilities of the common citizen.

Suggested read: 2 BHK Housing Scheme in Telangana

Key Housing Schemes by WBHB

a. Gitanjali Housing Scheme

The Gitanjali Housing Scheme was launched to address the housing needs of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and the Low-Income Groups (LIG). This scheme provides affordable housing units in both rural and non-municipal urban areas.
Target Audience: Families with a monthly income of less than ₹10,000.

Features:

• Low-cost housing units.
• Priority allocation to families in disaster-prone areas and those living below the poverty line (BPL).
• Collaboration with local authorities for efficient implementation.

Funding Structure:

The construction costs for dwelling units on the beneficiary’s land are as follows:

• Rural Plains: ₹1.67 lakh per unit for general beneficiaries.
• Fishermen in Non-Coastal Areas: ₹1.23 lakh per unit, managed by the Fisheries Department.
• Forest Fringe Areas: ₹1.94 lakh per unit, coordinated by the Forest and Sundarban Affairs Department.
• Hill Areas of Darjeeling: ₹2.51 lakh per unit for forest fringe residents.
• Forest Villages in Jalpaiguri: ₹3 lakh per unit.

For non-municipal, semi-urban areas:

• Single-Story Structures on Beneficiary’s Land: ₹1.67 lakh per unit.
• Multi-story buildings on Government Land: ₹3.30 lakh per unit.
• These costs are covered by the state government, ensuring that beneficiaries receive housing without incurring expenses.

b. Nijashree Housing Scheme

The Nijashree Housing Scheme focuses on addressing the middle-income housing demand. It is one of WBHB’s flagship projects, catering to both Low-Income Group (LIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) families.

Features:

• 1 BHK units for LIG families with a built-up area of 378 sq. ft.
• 2 BHK units for MIG families with a built-up area of 559 sq. ft.
• Affordable pricing and construction on government lands.

Eligibility:

• Monthly family income up to ₹15,000 for LIG and ₹30,000 for MIG.
• Applicants must not own any pucca house or flat in the state.
• The construction costs encompass substructure, superstructure, and internal infrastructure such as sanitary, plumbing, and electrical work. The land cost is not included, acting as a subsidy to reduce the overall expense for beneficiaries. The total cost and unit size may vary based on location, land availability, and local construction rates.

Suggested read: GPRA Housing Scheme

c. Diya Housing Scheme

The Diya Scheme is designed to empower women, particularly female heads of families belonging to LIG. It offers affordable flats to ensure financial independence and a secure living environment for women.

d. Amar Thikana

Implemented in collaboration with the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, the Amar Thikana Scheme provides low-cost houses to families in rural areas. The scheme emphasizes supporting households with limited income, particularly those earning ₹6,000 or less per month.

e. Nij Griha Nija Bhumi

This scheme provides land and housing to economically weaker sections in rural areas. By focusing on land ownership and housing infrastructure, it seeks to ensure a stable living environment for underserved communities.

Suggested read: Karnataka CM 1 Lakh Housing Scheme

Recent Developments and Upcoming Projects

WBHB has consistently evolved its offerings, launching new housing projects to meet growing demands. Below are some of the latest updates:

Ongoing and Upcoming Projects

1. Sunray Project, New Town Rajarhat:

• Location: New Town, Rajarhat.
• Units: 630 HIG flats in multi-storeyed towers.
• Target Audience: High-income group families.

2. Amulyakanan Phase III, Serampore:

• Location: Hooghly district.
• Units: 16 HIG flats.
• Project Type: G+4 configuration with modern amenities.

3. Himalaya Kanya Project, Siliguri:

• Location: Darjeeling district.
• Units: 23 HIG flats in G+6 towers.
• Focus: Serves the growing residential demand in North Bengal.

4. Krishnanagar MIG Project:

• Location: Nadia district.
• Units: 80 MIG flats in five-storey structures.
• Target Audience: Mid-income families seeking affordable homes.

Suggested read: Swapna Niketan Housing Scheme in Nagpur

Key Features of WBHB Housing Schemes

1. Affordability: WBHB ensures that its housing units are priced within the financial reach of its target demographic.
2. Diverse Options: Offers a variety of housing types, from single-bedroom flats for LIG families to spacious apartments for HIG individuals.
3. Inclusive Eligibility: Ensures wide accessibility by allowing applications from individuals across income brackets, with a focus on first-time homeowners.
4. Transparency in Allocation: Homes are typically allocated through lottery systems, ensuring fairness in the process.

Application Process

Prospective buyers can apply for WBHB housing schemes through their official website. Below are the steps to follow:

• Visit the Official Website: Go to wbhousingboard.in.
• Download the Application Form: Choose the scheme of interest and download the respective form.

Submit Required Documents

1. Proof of income.
2. Aadhaar or voter ID for identity verification.
3. Residential proof.
4. Pay the Application Fee: A nominal fee is charged, depending on the housing scheme.
5. Participate in the Lottery Draw: Applications are processed, and eligible candidates are entered into a computerized draw for transparent selection.

Challenges Faced by WBHB

Despite its successes, WBHB faces several challenges in its operations:

1. Land Scarcity: Rapid urbanization has led to limited availability of land for new projects.
2. Demand-Supply Gap: Rising housing demand outpaces the current supply, especially in urban hubs like Kolkata and Siliguri.
3. Financial Constraints: Developing affordable housing while maintaining quality is a challenge due to rising construction costs.

Future Outlook

To address these challenges, WBHB is exploring innovative strategies such as:

1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborations with private developers to expedite project execution.
2. Green Housing Initiatives: Incorporating sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
3. Expanding Rural Housing: Introducing more projects in semi-urban and rural areas to bridge the housing gap.

Benefits of WBHB Housing Schemes

• Empowerment Through Ownership: WBHB schemes empower families by providing them with secure, affordable housing.
• Inclusive Growth: By catering to EWS and LIG families, the schemes promote equitable development across income groups.
• Boost to State Economy: Increased housing development contributes to job creation and economic growth.

Latest News on West Bengal Housing Board 2024

As of November 2024, the West Bengal Housing Board (WBHB) has announced several key initiatives and updates:

1. Application Deadline for Dwelling Units and Commercial Spaces:

The WBHB has opened an online application window for the allotment of dwelling units and commercial spaces. Interested applicants can apply from September 26, 2024, until November 30, 2024. The Board emphasizes the importance of carefully reading and following the brochure and general terms and conditions before applying.

2. Recruitment Extension for Special Revenue Officer Positions:

The WBHB has extended the application deadline for the recruitment of two Special Revenue Officer, Grade-II (SRO-II) positions. The new deadline for submission is November 26, 2024, up to 5:00 PM.

3. Upcoming Housing Projects:

The WBHB has outlined several upcoming housing projects aimed at providing affordable housing across the state:

• SUNRAY: A housing project in New Town, Rajarhat, featuring 630 High-Income Group (HIG) flats in G+X towers.
• PURABHNA (PURBASHA PH-II): Located in Maniktala, Kolkata, this project comprises a G+IV tower with 28 HIG flats and 8 Middle-Income Group (MIG) flats.
• KRISHNANAGAR: Situated in Nadia district, this project includes 80 MIG flats in five-storied structures.
• AMULYAKANAN Housing Project, Ph-III: Located in Serampore, Hooghly district, this G+IV tower offers 16 HIG flats.
• MATKAL-NIMTA Housing Project, Ph-IIA: On the Belgharia Expressway in Durganagar, North 24 Parganas, this project features G+IV towers with 23 HIG flats.
• HIMALAYA KANYA Housing Project, PH-IV: Situated on the Eastern Bypass in Siliguri, Darjeeling district, this G+VI tower comprises 23 HIG flats.

These initiatives reflect the WBHB’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing and employment opportunities to the residents of West Bengal.

The West Bengal Housing Board stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to affordable housing for all. With a strong focus on inclusivity, affordability, and quality, WBHB continues to redefine residential development in West Bengal. Whether you’re an aspiring homeowner or an observer of urban development, WBHB’s innovative schemes and projects showcase how state-led initiatives can bring meaningful change.

For more updates on upcoming projects and housing opportunities, visit the official WBHB website.

FAQs about West Bengal Housing Board Schemes