Bhubaneswar, 16 October (H.S.): The Odisha Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate affordable housing initiatives and improve living conditions for vulnerable urban communities, with housing plans covering 10,000 households across nine Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) ready for implementation.

The directives were issued at the third Executive Committee meeting of the Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission (OLHM), chaired by Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, at Unnati Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the Mission, affordable housing initiatives, financial matters and key administrative issues, with a particular emphasis on translating approved plans into tangible benefits for eligible beneficiaries.

Emphasising the need for timely execution, Padhee directed officials to expedite implementation of the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) component. She stressed that work should commence without delay to ensure that eligible households receive the intended benefits within the stipulated timeframe.

The committee also deliberated on proposed schemes and components under the Chief Minister Smart City Mission. Padhee instructed the concerned officials to finalise the operational guidelines at the earliest, focusing on the specific needs of vulnerable sections of urban society.

Destitute persons, landless families and senior citizens were identified as priority groups requiring targeted interventions to address their housing and habitat-related needs.

She further emphasised the need to prioritise the 2026–27 budget towards programmes benefiting the most marginalised urban communities. Effective utilisation of resources, timely implementation of approved projects and a people-centric approach, she said, are essential to ensuring that government interventions deliver meaningful outcomes.

The Executive Committee also took up key financial and administrative matters relating to the functioning of OLHM. The audited Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account, and Annual Report for the financial year 2025–26 were considered for adoption.

The committee approved the Annual Action Plan and Budget Estimates for 2026–27 and accorded post-facto approval for expenditure incurred during 2025–26.

The deliberations reaffirmed the State Government's commitment to expanding access to affordable housing, improving urban living conditions and developing more inclusive and liveable habitats across Odisha. Through focused planning, prudent financial management and timely implementation, OLHM aims to extend the benefits of urban development to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Among those present at the meeting were the Mission Director, OLHM; Financial Adviser, Housing and Urban Development Department; Director of Town Planning; Director of Secondary Education; Engineer-in-Chief, Public Health Engineering Organisation; Additional Mission Director, OLHM; and senior officials from the Energy, National Health Mission, Women and Child Development departments, along with representatives of Tata Trusts.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda