In a major push toward inclusive urban development, the Government of Odisha has directed officials to fast-track the implementation of affordable housing projects aimed at benefiting 10,000 urban households across nine Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Chairing the 3rd Executive Committee Meeting of the Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission (OLHM) at Unnati Bhawan on Friday, Usha Padhee, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Housing & Urban Development Department, emphasized the urgency of translating existing housing plans into ground-level results without delay.
Reviewing the progress of the Mission, ACS Padhee instructed key departmental officials to immediately begin work on the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) component. With comprehensive plans already finalized across nine ULBs, she stressed that eligible households must receive timely benefits to improve their living conditions.
The Executive Committee also deliberated on proposed components under the Chief Minister Smart City Mission. ACS Padhee instructed officials to finalize project guidelines at the earliest, ensuring specific policy focus and tailored interventions for the most vulnerable sections—including landless families, destitute individuals, and older persons.
Furthermore, she urged officials to align the 2026–27 budget priorities toward initiatives that directly uplift marginalized urban populations through prudent resource allocation and a strictly people-centric development approach.
During the meeting, the committee addressed administrative and financial matters, adopting the audited Balance Sheet, Income and Expenditure Account, and Annual Report for FY 2025–26. It also formally approved the Annual Action Plan and Budget Estimates for FY 2026–27, alongside post-facto approvals for expenses incurred during 2025–26.
The meeting was attended by senior dignitaries and representatives, including the Mission Director and Additional Mission Director of OLHM, Financial Adviser to HUDD, Director of Town Planning, Director of Secondary Education, Engineer-in-Chief (PHEO), as well as senior officers from the Energy, National Health Mission (NHM), Women and Child Development departments, and Tata Trusts.
The deliberations reaffirmed Odisha’s ongoing commitment to building equitable, inclusive, and liveable urban spaces for all.
