The Centre has pre-approved the construction of one lakh rural homes in West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY), ahead of completion of survey work and mandatory physical verification. The pre-approval, equivalent to zero point one million (mn) homes, is intended to ensure that once due diligence is finished construction can begin without delay. The announcement followed a high-level meeting between the Union agriculture minister and state government officials. The state has identified and approved 2.56 crore job card holders for 125 days of guaranteed work under the VB-GRAM G scheme and has received the Centre's in-principle nod to process and approve additional applications. The figure converts to 25.6 mn job card holders, reflecting a substantial labour pool for rural employment programmes. Officials said the measure is aimed at accelerating on-ground delivery of guaranteed work. Approvals for housing were made in addition to previously allotted funds for rural infrastructure, including an allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for laying 2,400 km of rural roads under the PM Gram Sadak Yojna and Rs 700 crore for MNREGA. These amounts convert respectively to Rs 10 billion (bn) and Rs 7 bn and are intended to improve connectivity and employment in rural areas. The deadline for survey and verification for the rural housing scheme was extended from July 20 to August 15 owing to monsoon-related hurdles. The Rural Welfare Ministry has sanctioned Rs 8,508 crore for village development for nine months to March 31, 2027, with a total outlay exceeding Rs 12,064 crore including state contribution; these amounts convert to Rs 85.08 bn and Rs 120.64 bn respectively. Ministers said previous non-cooperation had delayed benefits worth Rs 82,492 crore, equal to Rs 824.92 bn, and that current coordination would permit faster execution. A collaborative effort with the Indian Council for Agricultural Research and state universities will prepare an agricultural roadmap to advise crop choice and yield improvement. An MoU has been signed to make West Bengal a seed development hub for eastern India and an awareness campaign with Nabard and banks will promote Kisan Credit Card applications, which currently number 12 lakh holders, equivalent to one point two million (mn). Four districts have been brought under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Centre has approved four agricultural training and research units in the state with an upfront allocation of Rs 100 crore, equal to one bn. Officials said these steps aim to boost rural agriculture and accelerate development.