Homeless in the Cold: Bengal Raises Alarm Over Missing Central Funds for Shelter Mission

A critical humanitarian crisis is silently unfolding in West Bengal, as the state government issues a stark warning about the severe financial crunch crippling its efforts to provide shelter for the urban homeless. At the heart of the matter lies the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), a central scheme designed to offer a lifeline to the most vulnerable.

However, Bengal alleges a significant gap: the non-availability of promised central funds, forcing the state to shoulder the burden alone.

Officials from the West Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department have repeatedly brought this pressing issue to the attention of the Union government.

Their pleas highlight a dire situation where the absence of central funding jeopardizes the very existence and expansion of shelters crucial for the state's estimated 2,000 homeless individuals. Currently, 69 shelters are operational across Bengal, offering a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of street life.

These facilities, however, constantly battle financial strains for their construction, daily management, and essential upkeep.

The DAY-NULM mission, initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to alleviate poverty and vulnerability among urban poor households. A key component of this ambitious program is the provision of adequate shelter for the urban homeless, ensuring they have access to dignified living conditions.

Under the traditional funding mechanism, the Centre is expected to contribute 60% of the costs, with the state covering the remaining 40%. Yet, according to Bengal officials, the Centre's share has been conspicuously absent, compelling the state to dip into its own coffers for over Rs 50 crore to sustain these vital services.

This financial void creates a ripple effect, directly impacting the lives of those who have nowhere else to turn.

With winter's chill and the approaching monsoon seasons, the plight of the homeless becomes even more precarious. Without consistent funding, the state's capacity to maintain existing shelters, let alone establish new ones in areas of high need, is severely hampered. This not only undermines the spirit of the DAY-NULM mission but also leaves countless individuals exposed to extreme weather conditions, health risks, and social vulnerabilities.

The Bengal government continues its fervent appeals for the urgent release of these long-awaited funds.

Their call is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a heartfelt plea for the thousands of men, women, and children who rely on these shelters for survival. The continuity of this mission is paramount, ensuring that no urban dweller is left without a roof over their head, particularly when central support is explicitly designed to safeguard the dignity and well-being of the nation's most marginalized citizens.