Odisha to Deploy AI for Identifying Ineligible Housing Scheme Beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect ineligible beneficiaries under state and central housing schemes, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik announced on Tuesday.

The move is aimed at simplifying and streamlining monitoring of projects such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The minister warned that strict action would be taken against individuals who have availed houses despite already owning pucca houses or having benefited from other housing and Antyodaya schemes.

“The department has initiated the process of using AI to identify irregularities. Although cases of beneficiaries failing to construct houses after receiving assistance are rare, we are maintaining strict vigilance,” Naik said.

He further directed officials to ensure timely completion of houses and take prompt action wherever irregularities are detected.