BHUBANESWAR: In an important initiative to support housing for economically weaker sections, the state government plans to issue work orders for 50,000 houses under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, as announced by Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik on Thursday.
The scheme aims to provide permanent housing to economically disadvantaged families, including those with disabilities, leprosy patients, and extremely poor households. Minister Naik emphasized that this initiative would tackle persistent housing issues in rural Odisha by offering eligible families durable homes.
Launched on March 30 this year by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Kalahandi, the scheme complements the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen (PMAY-G). Distribution of PMAY-G work orders is expected to begin in November, sources mentioned.
To date, more than 100,000 beneficiaries have been enrolled under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. The recent PMAY-G survey has attracted 3.5 million applicants, with 300,000 applications submitted online. Administrative officers have completed the identification and review processes, with final decisions anticipated by November after consultations with central officials.
Naik also noted the progress under PMAY-G, with 2.47 million homes completed out of a target of 2.829 million. Efforts are ongoing to expedite the construction of the remaining homes, with coordination with the revenue department to address any land-related challenges.
