West Bengal Surveys 54.6 Lakh Households for PMAY as Housing Beneficiaries Await Final List
Kolkata, West Bengal | September 3, 2026: West Bengal has completed a survey of more than 54.6 lakh households under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), significantly exceeding the state’s initial survey target. The exercise is expected to help authorities identify eligible rural households before the final beneficiary list is prepared and housing funds are released.
The state Panchayats and Rural Development Department also introduced a smartphone-based self-survey for the first time, allowing eligible residents to submit applications online without visiting government offices.
Survey Crosses Initial Target by 123%
The state had set a projected minimum target of around 44.4 lakh households for the survey. More than 54.6 lakh households were ultimately covered, representing a 123% increase over the projected requirement.
The higher coverage could give authorities a larger database for identifying households that may qualify for rural housing assistance under PMAY.
Nearly 7 Lakh People Used Smartphone Self-Survey
A major feature of this year’s exercise was the introduction of a self-survey facility through smartphones.
Nearly 7 lakh applications were submitted through the self-survey process, allowing eligible people to apply for housing benefits without physically visiting government offices.
The digital approach could make access to housing schemes easier for residents in rural areas, particularly those who may face difficulties travelling to administrative offices.
South 24 Parganas Leads the Survey
South 24 Parganas recorded the highest number of surveyed households, with more than 4.8 lakh households covered.
Murshidabad followed with around 4.4 lakh, while North 24 Parganas recorded approximately 3.8 lakh households.
The district-wise numbers highlight the scale of the housing identification exercise across rural West Bengal.
Final Beneficiary List Will Follow Scrutiny
Completion of the survey does not mean that all surveyed households will automatically receive housing assistance.
According to the Panchayats and Rural Development Department, the survey data and self-survey applications will undergo detailed scrutiny before the final beneficiary list is prepared.
Housing funds will be released after this verification process is completed.
Centre Approves 1 Lakh Houses for Bengal
The Centre has approved the construction of 1 lakh houses under PM Awas in West Bengal.
The completed survey is therefore an important step toward identifying the households that can potentially benefit from the approved housing allocation. The final selection will depend on eligibility verification and scrutiny of the submitted information.
What the PMAY Survey Means for Rural Housing
For eligible families, the exercise could improve access to formal housing support and help more households move towards permanent homes.
The smartphone-based application process also marks a shift towards more accessible digital delivery of housing schemes. However, beneficiaries will need to wait for the final verified list and subsequent fund release before housing assistance is confirmed.
For the rural property market, the programme could also support demand for construction materials, local labour and housing-related services as approved beneficiaries begin building their homes.