West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee distributes essential items to a beneficiary during the public distribution programme, at Siliguri in Jalpaiguri on Tuesday. | ANI
Kolkata: Eyeing 2026 Assembly election, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday had announced disbursement of the second instalment of funds under the state’s flagship ‘Banglar Bari’ housing scheme at North Bengal.
“Whatever we have promised, we always try to keep them. Despite the step-motherly attitude of the Central government by not keeping our dues we try to stand by the people and do development. Those who can’t see the development we can give them the details,” said Mamata at a state government distribution programme in Dabgram-Phulbari near Siliguri.
Notably, after the first installment which was given last December, the second installment of Rs. 7,200 crore was given on Tuesday which will benefit 12 lakh families. With this, the state government has spent a total of Rs 14,400 crore entirely from its own funds.
“16 lakh more eligible families will also be brought under this scheme and they will get their first instalment in December this year and the second instalment in May 2026,” said the Chief Minister.
Mamata also announced several other projects including additional housing schemes under the Cha Shundari project.
“People in politics play politics during the riots. I don’t like riots. Such a development did not happen in North Bengal before. I am not a magician but do whatever is possible. Many people make tall claims but don’t do anything,” further added Mamata.
Later taking to X, Mamata said, “I am happy to announce that today, the State Government has started releasing financial assistance of Rs 158 crore directly to the bank accounts of more than 1 lakh potato farmers of Bengal under the ‘Bangla Shasya Bima’ scheme. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the farmers of Bengal and their families.”
