Gitanjali Housing Scheme

The "Gitanjali Housing Scheme" has been launched by the Housing Department, Government of West Bengal, aims to modify the Housing Scheme for new construction of houses throughout the State of West Bengal for Economically Weaker Sections of People (EWS) who have no pucca house of their own or in the name of any member of their family. The 'Amar Thikana' scheme was discontinued with effect from April 1, 2014, and merged with 'Gitanjali'. The houses are to be constructed by the beneficiaries themselves, and no contracting agency will be engaged for this purpose. The Housing Department implements the scheme through the District Magistrate of the concerned District.

Under this scheme, dwelling units are provided to:

• Poor People in Rural and Urban areas.
• Poor People in Erosion/Flood/Other calamity affected/Disaster prone areas.
• Poor People affected by Government Projects (as part of rehabilitation measures).

The scheme provides financial assistance for the construction of dwelling units.

1. Cost of Dwelling Units:

• In Rural Areas and Urban Areas (plains areas): ₹70,000/- per unit.
• In Hilly/Difficult and Sundarban Areas: ₹75,000/- per unit.

1. A low-cost toilet will be provided by the District Authority in every case.

1. The applicant must belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of West Bengal.
2. The applicant should have no pucca house of their own or in the name of any member of their family.
3. The applicant's family income should be ₹6,000/- per month or less.
4. The scheme is applicable to all over the state of West Bengal, including Rural and Urban areas.
5. The scheme will be implemented in Rural areas on the land to be provided by the beneficiary, which can be their own land or patta land, and it must be free from all encumbrances.
6. In case of urban areas where land of beneficiaries is not available, Group Housing may be built on the land supplied by the District Administration, Municipality, or any Development Authority.

Preference/Priority/Reservation/Relaxation:

• People in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list will get priority.

Offline

The application process for beneficiaries primarily involves a selection process carried out by the District Magistrate. Beneficiaries do not directly apply for the scheme by submitting a form. Instead, they are identified and selected based on specific criteria.

• Selection by District Magistrate: The District Magistrate of the concerned District is responsible for selecting beneficiaries. This selection is made category-wise, based on targets fixed by the Housing Department at the start of the financial year. - Local Body Suggestions: The District Magistrate may consider suggestions from elected Panchayat Bodies or elected Public Representatives during the selection process.
  Fund Disbursement: Once selected, the beneficiary will receive funds directly into their bank account. Effective July 10, 2014, the funds are disbursed in two installments: 70% as the first installment and 30% as the second installment. Prior to July 10, 2014, the funds were disbursed in two equal installments of 50% each.
  Construction and Monitoring: The beneficiary is responsible for constructing the house themselves. The first installment of funds should be utilized for the initial phase of construction. The SAE's (Sub-Assistant Engineers) posted in the Blocks will conduct technical supervision of the construction work. The Executive Assistants of the concerned Gram Panchayat will perform daily monitoring of the progress.
  Receiving Second Installment: The second installment of funds will be disbursed to the beneficiary's bank account after the SAE is satisfied with the progress of work and the proper utilization of the first installment.
  

Document is required for the selection as the District Magistrate selects beneficiaries, considering suggestions from elected Panchayat Bodies/Public Representatives and giving priority to BPL individuals.