Sambalpur: Legendary Sambalpuri folk singer and Padma Shri awardee Jitendra Haripal has been sanctioned financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0 for the construction of a new house, following directions from Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The Sambalpur district administration on Friday issued the work order for the construction of the house under the centrally sponsored housing scheme.
According to officials, Haripal had approached the Chief Minister seeking assistance for building a house. Acting on the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Housing and Urban Development Department facilitated his inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0.
Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar handed over the approval letter to the veteran singer at his office on Friday.
Under the scheme, Haripal will receive financial assistance of Rs 2.5 lakh for the construction of a permanent house.
Officials said the work order has been sanctioned through the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation for the 2026-27 financial year. The district administration will extend all necessary support to ensure completion of the house within the stipulated timeframe.
The state government described the move as a tribute to Haripal’s immense contribution to Odisha’s cultural heritage. The veteran singer, best known for rendering the iconic Sambalpuri folk song “Rangabati”, has played a pivotal role in taking Odisha’s folk music to national and international audiences.
