Bhubaneswar: In an inspiring testament to resilience and inclusivity, 100% visually impaired Digambar Thela of Fapsi village in Bhawanipatna block has successfully constructed his house under the Odisha government’s Antyodaya Gruha Yojana—just four months after receiving the work order.
Thela, who runs a small tea stall with the support of his wife, was the first beneficiary to receive the work order during its official inauguration by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Risigatha on March 30, 2025.
The completion of the house has not only provided Thela with a secure shelter but also reinforced his sense of dignity, pride, and self-reliance. His achievement highlights how the state’s targeted housing initiatives are reaching even the most marginalized, including those with severe disabilities.
Formulated by the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana aims to identify and provide homes to the state’s most vulnerable populations.
Eligible beneficiaries include homeless individuals, people with disabilities, victims of natural disasters, families displaced due to government projects, widows with minor children, leprosy survivors, bonded laborers, national award-winning sportspersons, Forest Rights Act beneficiaries, and others in urgent need of shelter.
Incentives under the scheme reward timely completion: beneficiaries who construct their homes within 4 to 6 months of receiving the first installment under schemes like PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) and PM-JANMAN are entitled to incentives of ₹20,000 and ₹10,000 respectively.
Minister Rabi Narayan Naik emphasized that the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana is a step towards making government housing assistance more inclusive and accessible to the truly deserving, helping bridge the gap between policy and grassroots need.
Thela’s story stands as a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that inclusive governance can empower individuals to rise above adversity with dignity and determination.
