Odisha Chief Minister Unveils Antyodaya Housing Initiative in Kalahandi, Beneficiaries Overjoyed

Bhubaneshwar, March 30 (NationPress) In a pivotal step towards providing stable homes for the underprivileged and marginalized communities, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Antyodaya Housing Scheme in Kalahandi on Sunday.

This ambitious initiative, known as the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, underscores the state government's commitment to making the dreams of economically weaker sections come true by enabling them to own their own homes.

On the inaugural day, work orders for 60,000 houses were issued, representing a major advancement in the state government’s promise of achieving ‘Housing for All’. The scheme aims to construct more than 500,000 houses within the next three years, with a projected budget of Rs 7,550 crore.

Each beneficiary will be granted financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh and will have access to essential facilities, such as toilets (under the Swachh Bharat Mission), LPG connections (via Ujjwala Yojana), potable water (through Jal Jeevan Mission), and electricity (under Saubhagya Yojana). Moreover, beneficiaries will have the opportunity to earn employment under NREGA for up to 95 days, ensuring financial stability.

A few beneficiaries expressed their joy to IANS regarding this landmark initiative.

Geeta Archu Jhankar from Pipalbadi (Kalahandi), a recipient of the Antyodaya scheme, conveyed her delight upon receiving a ‘pucca house’ from CM Majhi.

"Today, we are extremely happy. Previously, I was receiving only 20 kg of rice, but now I have received everything. I met the CM, and I am filled with joy. He assured me of a pucca house, and today, I finally received it under the Antyodaya scheme. I have three children, and I am thankful to have a home," she stated.

Another beneficiary, Digambar Thela from Kalahandi, expressed gratitude to the government for realizing his long-held aspiration.

"We lived in a kuccha house and faced hardships as a low-income family with a small kirana shop. My brother, parents, and I reside together. Today, I am thankful to the CM as we have received a pucca house," he remarked.

During the launch, CM Majhi reiterated the government's dedication to providing permanent housing for the underprivileged.

On the inaugural day, work orders for 60,000 houses were distributed, demonstrating the state’s commitment to housing accessibility for everyone.

The initiative aims to construct over 5 lakh houses within three years, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 7,550 crore.

Each recipient will gain financial support of Rs 1.20 lakh along with essential amenities, including toilets (via Swachh Bharat Mission), LPG connections (through Ujjwala Yojana), clean drinking water (under Jal Jeevan Mission), and electricity (via Saubhagya Yojana). In addition, beneficiaries will be granted employment under NREGA for up to 95 days, providing crucial financial assistance.

CM Majhi spotlighted the historical challenges surrounding housing and emphasized the government’s determination to ensure every eligible family obtains a pucca house.

He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2018 vision for universal housing and stated that Odisha’s new initiative will complement the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

This financial year, the state has allocated Rs 2,600 crore.

The program aims to expedite housing development, addressing previous deficiencies observed under the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.

Special consideration will be extended to differently-abled individuals, widows, families impacted by severe health issues, families of martyrs, victims of natural calamities, and homeless individuals.

The eligibility criteria have been updated, categorizing kutcha houses as those with asbestos, tin, or tile roofs.

Only homes featuring cement-bonded walls and RCC roofing will be deemed 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 on the left canal of the Indravati Multipurpose Water Project. He also initiated grievance hearings in Bhawanipatna and Sambalpur and highlighted the 109-ambulance service to avert incidents similar to Dana Majhi's case.

Furthermore, the Odisha CM inaugurated projects totaling Rs 617.51 crore in Kalahandi, including Rs 223.66 crore for completed works and Rs 393.85 crore for new initiatives.

Notable developments encompass the Julko In-stream Storage Structure in the Kesinga block (Rs 68.35 crore), which will benefit 9,000 individuals with drinking water and irrigation support.

A new grid substation and KV line at Brundabahal (Rs 52 crore) were also launched, along with various projects focused on drinking water, education, healthcare, and road infrastructure.

The Chief Minister also declared that beneficiaries who finish house construction within four months of receiving the first installment will earn an additional Rs 20,000 incentive, while those completing it within six months will receive Rs 10,000.

With ongoing initiatives, including a recent survey identifying 2.6 million more eligible beneficiaries, the Odisha government is committed to ensuring housing for all through a comprehensive approach that integrates multiple welfare programs.