Bhubaneswar: The State government has issued strict instructions to District Collectors to expedite the distribution of pucca houses to homeless families. The Panchayati Raj Department has directed officials to prioritize eligible landless rural families and beneficiaries, ensuring timely allocation of houses.
According to the 2024 survey, approximately 37,89,234 families in the state reside in kutcha houses, with 2,01,011 families being homeless. Kendrapara district tops the list with 271 homeless individuals yet to receive houses, followed by Ganjam with 171.
To address landlessness, 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 goal is to provide houses to eligible families within the stipulated timeframe.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme aims to provide affordable housing to rural poor, with 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, targeting vulnerable sections, including SC/ST, minorities, and BPL families.
