Bhubaneswar: To enhance and strengthen good governance in rural areas, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi virtually laid the foundation stone for 471 Gram Panchayat offices across the state from Lok Seva Bhawan on Sunday. He also distributed the first installment of the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana to beneficiaries.
Alongside, the Chief Minister distributed the first installment of Rs 40,000 each under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana to 48,693 beneficiaries, aiming to ensure dignified housing for underprivileged families in rural Odisha.
The foundation stones were laid for 471 Gram Panchayat offices in all districts except Nuapada and Kalahandi. Each office will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh, with joint funding from the Centre and the State. These buildings will function as ‘One-Stop Service Centres,’ housing separate rooms for the Sarpanch, Panchayat Executive Officer, Junior Engineer, Gram Rozgar Sevak, and the Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Majhi said the initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to strengthening public service delivery and governance at the village level. “Governance is not our mantra; service is,” he emphasised.
Launched on March 30 this year, the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana aims to construct five lakh houses for the poor by 2027–28, with a total budget allocation of Rs 7,550 crore.
As part of the scheme, each beneficiary will receive Rs 1.20 lakh in three installments—Rs 40,000 (first), Rs 65,000 (second), and Rs 15,000 (third). Beneficiaries who complete house construction within four months will be rewarded with an incentive of Rs 20,000, and those finishing within six months will get Rs 10,000.
In the current phase, 48,693 beneficiaries in 28 districts have received the first installment, amounting to a total disbursement of Rs 1,947.72 crore.
The scheme also includes provisions for wage employment under MGNREGA—95 days for beneficiaries in Integrated Action Plan (IAP) districts and 90 days in non-IAP areas. Additionally, all houses will be equipped with essential amenities like toilets and piped water supply.
“The goal is to ensure safe and permanent shelter for every poor and helpless family so that they can live with dignity,” the Chief Minister said during his interaction with beneficiaries and Sarpanchs from various Panchayats.
Addressing the event, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik described Gram Panchayat buildings as the “core of rural governance.” He said modern, well-equipped buildings are essential to meet the expectations of citizens and effectively implement welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
“These buildings will become a new milestone in public service and rural development,” he added.
The virtual event saw participation from Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Director Vineet Bhardwaj, and district-level officials from 28 districts. Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N. delivered the welcome address, while Special Project Director Siddharth Shankar Swain extended the vote of thanks.
