Chief Minister Mohan Majhi inaugurated the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY) today in Bhawanipatna, a scheme designed to address the housing needs of marginalized communities in rural Odisha.
The Chief Minister distributed work orders to 10 beneficiaries from different sections in the program.
The Chief Minister’s inauguration of projects worth Rs 617.51 crore in Kalahandi district marks a significant step towards regional development. With Rs 223.66 crore allocated for completed projects and Rs 393.85 crore for new initiatives, the focus is on improving essential infrastructure and services.
Among the key projects is the Julco Instream Storage Structure, built at a cost of Rs 68.35 crore in Kesinga block, Bhawanipatna constituency. This initiative is set to provide drinking water to approximately 9,000 residents and support irrigation for Rabi crops. Additionally, a grid substation and KV line at Bandhabahal, developed for over Rs 52 crore, will enhance the region’s power supply.
Other projects include advancements in drinking water facilities, education, health centers, welfare pavilions, and road infrastructure. The Chief Minister emphasized that these developments would accelerate the district’s growth and improve the quality of life for its residents.
This comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of the community and fostering sustainable progress. Let me know if you’d like me to draft a detailed article or provide further insights!
The initiative aims to provide pucca houses to households that are excluded from ongoing housing schemes, victims of natural or man-made disasters, and those displaced by development projects. Differently-abled individuals serving as the primary earners of their families and FRA beneficiaries are also eligible under this program.
A unique feature of the AGY is its incentive structure, which rewards beneficiaries of any rural housing scheme for completing the construction of houses promptly. The scheme reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable sections of society and ensuring housing security for all.
Speaking at the launch, CM Mohan Majhi emphasized the importance of the initiative in uplifting underserved communities. “The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana is a testament to our promise of inclusive development. This scheme aims to bring dignity and stability to families by providing a safe and secure roof over their heads,” he stated.
Authorities have assured that the implementation of the scheme will be monitored closely to ensure transparency and effectiveness. The AGY is expected to positively impact thousands of households across the state, promoting socio-economic growth and stability.
Under the AGY, each beneficiary will receive Rs 1.20 lakh for house construction, along with essential facilities such as toilets, cooking gas, clean drinking water, and electricity connections, coordinated through various government schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Saubhagya Yojana. Beneficiaries will also be provided with paid work for 90-95 days under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
The Chief Minister emphasized the simplification of definitions for ‘family’ and ‘pucca house’ to include asbestos, tin, and tile-roofed houses as Kacha house, and RCC-roofed houses with cement walls as Pakka house. He stated, “From the 70s till today, housing has been a big problem for the common man. Now that the problem will be completely solved, and everyone will get pucca houses.”
Minister of Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, and Rural Development, Shri Rabi Narayan Naik, assured that the government is committed to resolving long-standing issues faced by rural communities. He warned of strict action against government employees neglecting the needs of the poor.
The program witnessed participation from MPs, Ministers, and MLAs across all 30 district headquarters and 314 blocks via virtual platforms.
