Odisha Government Urges Fast-Track Distribution of Pucca Houses to Homeless Families

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has issued strict instructions to District Collectors to accelerate the distribution of pucca houses to homeless and landless families across the state. The Panchayati Raj Department has asked officials to prioritise eligible rural families to ensure timely allocation under housing schemes.

According to the 2024 survey, around 37,89,234 families in Odisha still live in kutcha houses, while 2,01,011 families are completely homeless. Kendrapara district has the highest number of homeless individuals, with 271 yet to receive houses, followed by Ganjam with 171.

To address landlessness and speed up housing delivery, the department has instructed District Collectors to hold joint meetings with Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Tehsildars on the first Saturday of every month. The meetings aim to ensure eligible families receive houses within the stipulated timeframe.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the scheme provides financial assistance of Rs 1,20,000 for plain areas and Rs 1,30,000 for hilly regions. The Odisha government has sanctioned 37 lakh new houses under PMAY-G, focusing on vulnerable sections, including SC/ST communities, minorities, and BPL families.

Officials said the move is part of the state’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable housing and improving living conditions for rural citizens.