Bhubaneswar, 14 June (H.S.) : In a major initiative aimed at addressing the housing needs of low-income families and curbing the expansion of urban slums, the Odisha government is set to introduce a comprehensive Rental Housing Policy to provide affordable rental accommodation across urban areas of the state.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced on Sunday that the policy is being formulated to support people migrating to cities, particularly Bhubaneswar and other major urban centres, in search of employment and livelihood opportunities.

The Minister said a significant number of migrants face difficulties in securing affordable rented accommodation, forcing many to reside in informal settlements and slum areas. The proposed policy seeks to bridge this gap by ensuring the availability of safe and affordable rental housing for economically weaker sections and low-income groups.

According to Mahapatra, the shortage of affordable rental housing has been one of the key factors contributing to the rapid growth of slums in urban areas. The government, therefore, aims to provide adequate rental housing facilities to prevent further expansion of slum settlements and improve living conditions for urban migrants.

As part of the initiative, the government plans to construct housing units under various state housing schemes and make them available on a rental basis. Rental housing projects will be developed across urban local bodies throughout the state to meet the increasing demand for affordable accommodation.

The Minister further informed that vacant and unused houses will also be identified and brought under the proposed rental housing framework. These properties will be made available to eligible beneficiaries at affordable rates, ensuring optimal utilisation of existing housing stock while expanding access to low-cost housing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda