West Bengal to Control 4,000 'Enemy Properties'
The state government will use revenue from these properties to fund local development projects, with the Ministry of Home Affairs giving its nod to the plan
The West Bengal government is set to become the custodian of around 4,000 'enemy properties' in the state, with plans to use the revenue generated from these properties to fund local development projects.
The move has received the nod of the Ministry of Home Affairs headed by Amit Shah. The properties, spread across Murshidabad, Malda, Kolkata, and North and South 24 Parganas districts, were left behind by people who migrated to and took citizenship of countries regarded as India's enemies.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement while inaugurating a Durga Puja at Lalbagh in Murshidabad district on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The state government aims to use the revenue generated from these properties to fund development projects, including beautifying the assembly constituency of Murshidabad and building model villages.
The Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) currently manages, controls, preserves and disposes of properties left behind by 'enemies'. The CEPI collects rent, lease payments, dividends and other recurring income from these properties and deposits the proceeds into the government account.
## What it means The move is significant as West Bengal has the second-largest number of enemy properties in India. The state government's control over these properties will provide a new source of revenue for local development projects. The announcement comes after the first BIMSTEC meeting of Home Ministers was held in Delhi on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, where regional security cooperation and combating terrorism were discussed.
## Why it matters The decision to make the West Bengal government the custodian of enemy properties will have a direct impact on the state's development projects. With the revenue generated from these properties, the state government can fund various development projects, including infrastructure development and social welfare schemes. This move is expected to boost the state's economy and improve the living standards of its citizens.
