Odisha to Construct 2.25 Lakh Pucca Houses Under Antyodaya Griha Yojana

Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: In a major push towards improving housing conditions for weaker sections of society, the Odisha government has approved the construction of 2.25 lakh pucca houses under the Antyodaya Griha Yojana over the next three years. The scheme, sanctioned by the state cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has an estimated outlay of Rs 7,550 crore.

Announcing the decision on Saturday, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the scheme’s objective of providing permanent housing to underprivileged families, particularly those affected by natural or man-made disasters, government project displacements, and households with disabled breadwinners. Additionally, beneficiaries under the Forest Rights Act and eligible families who have not yet received assistance from existing housing schemes will be covered under this initiative.

Under the Antyodaya Griha Yojana, each beneficiary will receive Rs 1,20,000 for constructing a pucca house with a minimum area of 25 square meters, excluding the space allocated for a toilet. To encourage speedy completion, the government has introduced incentives for early construction. Beneficiaries who complete their houses within four months of receiving the first installment will receive an additional Rs 20,000, while those completing within six months will be awarded Rs 10,000.

The scheme has also redefined the classification of shacks, ensuring that houses with asbestos, tin, or tile roofs are considered temporary dwellings. Even structures with RCC roofs but incomplete cemented walls will fall under this category, making their occupants eligible for the scheme.

Clarifying the eligibility criteria, Majhi stated that a family unit under this scheme consists of a husband, wife, dependent parents, and children.

Furthermore, beneficiaries of other housing schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and Pradhan Mantri Janajati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) will also be eligible for incentives under this program, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural housing in Odisha.

With this initiative, the state government aims to significantly improve living conditions, enhance socio-economic stability, and promote inclusive growth for marginalized communities across Odisha.