Centre Discriminating Against West Bengal In Allotment Of Funds Under PM Awas Yojana: PIL In Calcutta High Court

The Calcutta High Court today called for affidavits from appropriate authorities of the Central Government, in a plea alleging that the Centre has failed to make any contribution to the Housing Scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) (“scheme”) in West Bengal.

A division-bench was apprised by the petitioners, that under the scheme, adopted by the central government in 2016, financial assistance was to be provided to eligible persons living in kachha and dilapidated houses to build pucca houses in rural areas by 2024. 2.94 crore houses were contemplated for 2023-24.

It was submitted by the petitioners that a list had been annexed to their writ petition with names of eligible persons, the date of sanction of a house for them, the sanctioned amount, etc.

It was argued that under the housing scheme, the Central government was to contribute 60% of the sanctioned amount, while the remaining expense would be borne by the State.

Petitioners alleged that the Centre had not made any contribution to the scheme at all, leading to it grinding to a halt in the State of West Bengal.

It was submitted that while the central government had made the necessary contributions to other states, the same had not been to West Bengal, and alleged discrimination by the centre.

DSG appearing for the respondent central government submitted that for proper adjudication, the centre be allowed an opportunity to file an affidavit-in-opposition to deal with the allegations and statements made in the writ petition.

Accordingly, in allowing such submissions, the Court directed for an affidavit in opposition to be filed on behalf of the central government, by 9^th October, with a reply to be filed by 16^th October.

Case: Mayureshwar Amdebkar Smriti Sangha and Anr.-versus- Union of India and Ors.

Case No: W.P.A.(P) 502 of 2023

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