Odisha CM Mohan Majhi Unveils Antyodaya Housing Initiative
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Synopsis
Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Antyodaya Housing Scheme aimed at providing permanent homes for the underprivileged. The initiative plans to construct over 500,000 houses with financial aid and essential amenities for beneficiaries.
Key Takeaways
- Launch of Antyodaya Housing Scheme in Kalahandi.
- Target of 500,000 houses in three years.
- Financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh per beneficiary.
- Special focus on vulnerable groups.
- Additional incentives for timely house completion.
Bhubaneswar, March 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, inaugurated the Antyodaya Housing Initiative in Kalahandi on Sunday, with the goal of providing permanent residences for the less fortunate.
On the inaugural day, work orders for 60,000 houses were distributed, representing a substantial advancement towards the state’s promise of housing for everyone.
The initiative aims to construct over 500,000 houses within a three-year span, with an approximate budget of Rs 7,550 crore.
Every beneficiary will be entitled to financial support of Rs 1.20 lakh and access to vital facilities, including toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, LPG connections via Ujjwala Yojana, clean drinking water through Jal Jeevan Mission, and electricity from Saubhagya Yojana. Moreover, beneficiaries will be eligible for employment under NREGA for up to 95 days, ensuring economic assistance.
CM Majhi reiterated the longstanding housing predicaments and stressed the government's determination to provide every eligible family with a pucca house.
He recognized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 2018 concerning housing for all, noting that Odisha’s new initiative will enhance the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
This financial year, the state has earmarked Rs 2,600 crore for the scheme.
The initiative seeks to hasten housing development, bridging previous gaps seen in the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.
Special emphasis will be placed on individuals with disabilities, widows, families afflicted by serious illnesses, families of martyrs, natural disaster victims, and those without homes.
The eligibility criteria have been updated, categorizing kutcha houses as those featuring asbestos, tin, or tile roofs.
Only residences with cement-bonded walls and RCC roofing will qualify as pucca. The definition of 'family' has been broadened to encompass dependent parents and children.
During his visit, the Chief Minister announced the completion of the concrete lining for the Indravati Multipurpose Water Project’s left canal. He also initiated grievance hearings in Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur, emphasizing the 109-ambulance service to avert past occurrences like Dana Majhi's case.
The Odisha CM also inaugurated projects valued at Rs 617.51 crore in Kalahandi, which includes Rs 223.66 crore for completed initiatives and Rs 393.85 crore for new projects.
Noteworthy developments include the Julko In-stream Storage Structure in Kesinga block (Rs 68.35 crore), which will assist 9,000 individuals with drinking water and irrigation solutions.
A new grid substation and KV line at Brundabahal (Rs 52 crore) were also introduced, along with numerous projects in drinking water, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Chief Minister announced that beneficiaries who finish house construction within four months of receiving the first installment will obtain an additional Rs 20,000 incentive, while those completing it within six months will receive Rs 10,000.
With continuous efforts, including a recent survey identifying 2.6 million more eligible beneficiaries, the Odisha government aspires to ensure housing for all through a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple welfare initiatives.
