Odisha Links Housing Push to PM Modi’s Birthday with 50,000 Work Orders

Bhubaneswar : Odisha’s housing mission is set for a major push this month with the state government announcing plans to distribute 50,000 housing work orders under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana on September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the initiative will prioritise vulnerable groups, including differently-abled persons, widows, those suffering from chronic illnesses, families of martyrs, and Padma Shri awardees.

The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, launched earlier this year, has already included one lakh beneficiaries. Officials said the upcoming distribution is intended to not just provide shelter but also restore dignity and security to families living in vulnerable conditions.

Naik further announced that the state will begin issuing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMGAY) in November. Nearly 35 lakh people applied during the recent PM Awas survey in Odisha, highlighting the demand for permanent housing in rural areas. Work orders will be issued in phases to ensure timely distribution.

The September 17 launch is being viewed as symbolic, aligning with the Prime Minister’s birthday and reflecting Odisha’s effort to integrate central and state housing schemes. Analysts say the initiative comes at a crucial time, with large numbers of rural households still living in kutcha houses vulnerable to natural calamities.

While the announcements have raised hope, officials acknowledge that timely implementation and monitoring will be key. “Every sanctioned house must reach the beneficiary in reality, not just on paper,” Naik stressed.

With 50,000 Antyodaya homes set for immediate rollout and PMGAY slated for November, Odisha is entering a critical phase of its rural housing programme, aiming to close the shelter gap for millions of families.