Bhubaneswar, 09 January (H.S.): In a significant New Year initiative aimed at strengthening social security for economically weaker sections, the Odisha government has announced that around 10 lakh beneficiaries will be provided pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) beginning January.
The announcement was made by Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik, who said the large-scale distribution of houses is part of the state government’s commitment to ensuring safe and dignified housing for poor and vulnerable families across Odisha.
Addressing the media, the minister described the initiative as a New Year gift for underprivileged households. He informed that nearly 37 lakh people had applied for housing assistance under PMAY in the state. Following a detailed verification process, around 34 lakh applicants have been shortlisted as eligible beneficiaries.
The shortlisted beneficiary list has already been forwarded to the Central government for approval, Naik said, adding that the state is coordinating closely with the Centre to expedite the clearance process. Once approved, beneficiaries will be able to access financial assistance for the construction of permanent houses under the scheme.
“We will begin distributing PMAY houses in a phased manner from January. In the first phase, assistance for the construction of 10 lakh houses will be provided,” the minister said. He added that the remaining eligible beneficiaries will be covered in subsequent phases in accordance with approvals and fund availability.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve living conditions for lakhs of rural families and reinforce the state’s efforts towards inclusive development and housing for all.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
