Indus Valley Times

Over 5 lakh houses to be built in three years; work orders issued for 60,000 homes on launch day 

 By Sudharam Sarap 

Bhawanipatna, March 30: In a landmark move to provide permanent housing for economically weaker sections, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally launched the Antyodaya Housing Scheme on Sunday at a special event in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district. This ambitious initiative, titled ‘Antyodaya Gruha Yojana,’ aims to fulfill the long-cherished dream of countless underprivileged families by providing them with secure and stable homes. 

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi highlighted the pressing issue of housing insecurity among low-income families. “Since the 1970s, owning a house has been an unattainable dream for many. Even today, thousands live without a proper roof over their heads. Through the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, we are committed to changing this reality by ensuring permanent homes for the most vulnerable sections of society,” he said. 

Marking a significant beginning, work orders for 60,000 houses were issued on the scheme’s launch day. The government has set an ambitious target of constructing over 5 lakh houses within the next three years. To achieve this, a budget of Rs 2,600 crore has been allocated for the current financial year, with a total investment of Rs 7,550 crore planned for the scheme’s duration. 

  Under the initiative, each beneficiary will receive Rs 1.2 lakh for house construction. Furthermore, the scheme ensures access to essential amenities through coordination with flagship government programs. Each Antyodaya Gruha Yojana house will include a toilet, a cooking gas connection, a clean drinking water facility and electricity connection.

By integrating these essential services, the government aims to create a holistic living environment, improving health, dignity, and overall quality of life for beneficiaries. 

 A key feature of the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana is its focus on social inclusivity. Priority will be given to differently-abled individuals, critically ill patients, widows and single mothers, families affected by house fires and elephant attacks and victims of natural disasters such as floods and cyclones. 

The selection process will follow strict eligibility criteria to ensure that assistance reaches the most deserving households. 

As part of the launch, Kalahandi district alone will receive over Rs 600 crore under the scheme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to uplifting one of Odisha’s historically disadvantaged regions. The event also saw the foundation laying and inauguration of several developmental projects, further strengthening the region’s infrastructure and socio-economic landscape.

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Photograph: Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi (fourth from left) presents a work order to a differently-abled individual under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana scheme in Bhawanipatna on Sunday.