West Bengal Clears Policy to Convert Idle Industrial Lands into Housing and Real Estate Projects

The West Bengal Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on Thursday approved a land-use policy that paves the way for converting old non-residential plots into housing and real estate projects. This move is being seen as a major step towards unlocking vast tracts of underutilized land across the state.

Policy to Unlock Unused Industrial Land

According to officials, large parcels of land had been allotted decades ago to industries, often on long-term leases of 99 years or more, for building residential colonies for employees. Over time, as many of these industries shut down or scaled back operations, a significant portion of this land fell into disuse.

The newly approved policy, applicable to plots under the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department, will enable conversion of such land into residential and commercial real estate. The conversion process will involve a fee structure to be finalized by the government, ensuring that the state earns revenue while freeing up land for productive use.

An official confirmed that detailed guidelines for implementing the new framework will be issued in the coming weeks, clarifying the conversion process, applicable fees, and monitoring mechanism.

Multiple Proposals Cleared Alongside Housing Policy

In addition to the land-use policy, the Cabinet approved several proposals spanning administration, healthcare, education, and cultural development.

Strengthening Governance

To enhance administrative capacity, the government will create 18 new posts across departments such as Finance, Fisheries, and Women & Child Development. Two senior-level Special Officer on Special Duty (OSD) positions have also been sanctioned for the Governor’s Office.

Boost to Healthcare

Healthcare recruitment got a significant push with the approval for large-scale hiring of nursing staff across 11 government medical colleges. This is expected to improve patient care and address manpower shortages in state-run hospitals.

Focus on Regional Languages in Education

In a move to promote linguistic diversity, the Cabinet approved the introduction of primary education in Rajbanshi and Kamtapuri languages. Initially, 12 para-teachers will be appointed — 10 in Kamtapuri medium schools and 2 in Rajbanshi schools — in districts such as North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Jalpaiguri.

Cultural Heritage Development

To preserve and promote Bengal’s rich cultural legacy, the government also cleared the formation of a development board dedicated to the areas associated with the birthplaces of Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Sarada Devi. This board will spearhead projects focused on infrastructure development and conservation of heritage sites in these historically significant regions.

A Step Towards Balanced Urban Growth

Experts believe the conversion of idle industrial land into housing will help meet the growing demand for urban real estate while reducing pressure on land acquisition. By integrating unused plots into the urban planning framework, the policy could boost affordable housing projects, commercial spaces, and mixed-use developments.

The move is also expected to attract private investment into the state’s real estate sector, generate employment opportunities, and create new hubs of urban growth beyond traditional industrial belts.