West Bengal Cabinet Approves Land Conversion Policy to Boost Real Estate and Housing

The West Bengal cabinet has approved a landmark policy that allows the conversion of non-residential plots into residential and real estate projects, a move expected to unlock vast underutilized land across the state. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is being seen as a major boost for the housing and real estate sector in Bengal.

According to senior officials, the policy will apply to plots owned by agencies under the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department.

“Several of these plots were allotted decades ago—often on 99-year leases—to industrial units for employee housing. Over the years, many of these lands have remained unused or underutilized. With this new policy, the government is introducing a formal framework that allows such land to be converted for housing or real estate use, subject to a prescribed fee,” an official said.

The state government will soon publish detailed guidelines, including the fee structure and conversion process, to ensure smooth implementation.

Other Key Cabinet Decisions

Alongside the land conversion policy, the cabinet cleared several other proposals focusing on administration, healthcare, education, and heritage development.

Strengthening Administrative Infrastructure

To enhance governance, the state approved the creation of 18 new posts across different departments. These include positions in finance, fisheries, and women & child development, along with two senior-level temporary OSD (Officer on Special Duty) posts in the Governor’s office at Raj Bhavan.

Healthcare Boost

The cabinet also approved the recruitment of nursing staff across 11 state-run medical colleges, addressing the growing need for healthcare professionals in Bengal.

Language and Education Initiatives

In a significant step towards preserving regional languages, the state government has decided to introduce primary education in Rajbanshi and Kamtapuri languages in select districts such as Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Jalpaiguri.

Heritage and Cultural Development

The cabinet also gave its approval for the formation of a dedicated development board for regions connected to the birthplaces of Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi. This board will oversee infrastructure upgrades and heritage conservation projects in these historically significant areas.

Impact of the Policy

The approval of this land conversion policy in West Bengal is expected to have a far-reaching impact. By enabling the transformation of idle plots into residential projects, the state aims to address the rising demand for housing, boost real estate growth, and ensure more effective land utilization.

By LNN (Liyaans News Network)