Bhubaneswar, 05 October (H.S.): Odisha has received a Special Recognition Award from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for recording the highest number of reforms under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0.

The award was presented in New Delhi on Monday as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban Awards 2026, recognising Odisha’s sustained efforts to simplify urban housing processes, strengthen implementation mechanisms and improve the delivery of housing benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

The national recognition acknowledges Odisha’s reform-oriented approach to urban housing, including measures aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency, strengthening institutional coordination and leveraging technology to ensure transparent and effective implementation. These initiatives have helped create a more streamlined and citizen-centric framework for delivering PMAY-U 2.0 benefits.

Welcoming the recognition, Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the award was a matter of pride for Odisha and reflected the collective efforts of government officers, Urban Local Bodies and implementing agencies.

“Our objective is not merely to construct houses, but to ensure that every eligible urban family gets a safe, secure and dignified home through a transparent and citizen-centric system,” Mahapatra said.

He said the State would continue to focus on reforms, faster implementation and effective last-mile delivery under PMAY-U 2.0. A house, he said, is not merely a physical structure but represents dignity, security and a better future for a family.

“We will continue to work with determination to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives the benefits of the scheme in a timely and hassle-free manner,” the Minister added.

The Special Recognition Award marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to promote efficient, reform-driven and citizen-centric urban governance. It also reinforces the State’s commitment to advancing the national vision of ‘Housing for All’.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda