Bhubaneswar: A high-level review meeting on Transit Housing and Affordable Housing Projects (AHPs) was held on Thursday under the chairpersonship of Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, to assess the status of completed housing stock, streamline allotment mechanisms, and strengthen measures for planned urban growth.
The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of major Affordable Housing Projects, including the Chandrasekharpur Affordable Housing Project (Buddha Vihar), Nilamadhab Awas Yojana, Santipali Awas Yojana, and the Subuddhipur Affordable Housing Project. Emphasis was placed on ensuring timely occupation of completed housing units, with project-wise progress, beneficiary coverage, and inter-agency coordination discussed in detail to prevent vacancies in ready housing stock.
Progress of upcoming Affordable Housing Projects at Ghatikia and Gadakana was also reviewed. Directions were issued for strict monitoring of timelines and adherence to schedules, given the critical role of these projects in meeting urban housing demand and preventing unplanned settlements and encroachments.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to constitute an Empowered Committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary, to provide policy oversight and ensure coordinated decision-making on affordable housing, rental housing prioritisation, allotment modalities, and optimal utilisation of completed AHP units. The committee will facilitate swift resolution of inter-departmental issues and ensure uniform implementation of housing policies.
It was decided that completed Affordable Housing units will be provisionally allotted to eligible beneficiaries for a period of six months. During this watch period, occupancy, usage, and compliance with eligibility conditions will be closely monitored. Final allotment orders will be issued only after successful completion of this period. The allotted units will be non-transferable and non-sublettable, ensuring disciplined and intended utilisation of affordable housing stock.
To promote sustainable urban mobility, the meeting underscored the need to integrate housing allotments with the AMA BUS public transport system, improving accessibility while encouraging public transport usage.
Reaffirming the government’s firm commitment to the policy of “No New Slums and No New Encroachments,” the Principal Secretary emphasised that proactive housing provision, prioritisation of rental housing, and strict enforcement must proceed in tandem to ensure orderly, inclusive, and sustainable urban development.
The meeting also highlighted the need to prioritise rental housing, particularly for migrant workers, the urban poor, and families in transition. Engagement with NGOs was identified as a key enabler for beneficiary outreach, awareness generation, verification, and post-allotment handholding.
The meeting was attended by Chanchal Rana, Vice Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Commissioner, BMC; Arindam Dakua, Director, Municipal Administration; Subhananda Mohapatra, Additional Secretary; Surendra Routroy, Additional Secretary; Manoj Kumar Swain, Additional Commissioner, BDA; Ajay Kumar Mohanty, Deputy Commissioner, BMC, along with other senior officials.
The review concluded with directions for time-bound provisional allotment, transparent processes, strong inter-agency coordination, and robust monitoring, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to planned urbanisation, affordable housing, and improved quality of life for urban residents.
