BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government is taking steps to identify vacant and unused state-owned buildings in urban areas to convert them into affordable rental housing, as stated in an official document.
The initiative aims to improve housing options for the urban poor and working class. Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, directed key departments to identify underutilized assets within their control and to report this information to the Odisha Urban Housing Mission (OUHM).
Padhee emphasized that housing is essential for urbanization, impacting health, stability, education, and economic opportunities for families. Previously, housing policies focused on ownership models.
However, the PM Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 now includes ‘Affordable Rental Housing’ as a distinct initiative to cater to a large segment of the urban population, particularly migrants, informal sector workers, and women who cannot immediately own a home.
According to PMAY-U 2.0 operational guidelines, ‘Affordable Rental Housing’ can be developed through two models: converting existing government-funded vacant buildings into rental housing through public-private partnerships (PPP) or allowing both public and private entities to construct and manage rental properties while recouping costs via rental income.
The initial rental rates will be set by local authorities based on a survey, allowing rent increases biennially by 8%, capped at a total rise of 20% over five years to maintain affordability and transparency.
Padhee expressed optimism that this initiative will turn unused public assets into sustainable rental housing, while enhancing workforce stability, boosting local economies, and curbing the rise of informal settlements.
