Kuldeep Narayan, the Joint Secretary for Housing for All at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, visited Bhubaneswar today to review the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY-U 2.0 in Odisha.
During his visit, Narayan inspected three significant project sites in the city, each showcasing different aspects and innovative approaches under this flagship housing scheme.
His first stop was the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) project, Buddha Vihar, located in Chandrasekharpur. Here, he reviewed the progress of housing units being developed to provide affordable and quality living spaces for urban beneficiaries.
Next, he visited Hare Krushna Nagar, near Saileshree Vihar, where houses are being constructed for beneficiaries under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) vertical of PMAY-U. Interacting with the beneficiaries, Narayan appreciated the state’s efforts in facilitating individual house construction and ensuring timely delivery.
The third site, Pragati Bihar Slum, was notable as a unique and inclusive housing initiative under the BLC vertical of PMAY-U 2.0. A total of 44 houses have been sanctioned for this project, and 34 beneficiaries belong to the transgender community. The project is being developed as a model inclusive housing cluster with technical support from renowned architect Ashok B. Lall, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This pilot initiative aims to demonstrate sustainable, climate-responsive, and energy-efficient housing solutions. It incorporates thermally comfortable designs, innovative and cost-effective construction techniques utilising sustainable materials, as well as rooftop solar systems and energy-efficient appliances. Narayan commended the state’s efforts to promote inclusive and environmentally sustainable housing, calling it a progressive step towards equitable urban development.
Following the site visits, Narayan held a comprehensive review meeting at Kharvela Bhavan, attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, along with senior officials from the department, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The meeting focused on the overall progress of PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0 in the state, discussing key achievements, challenges, and areas requiring attention. Narayan provided valuable guidance to strengthen implementation efforts, emphasising the importance of timely project completion, quality assurance, and enhanced beneficiary satisfaction.
Strategic discussions also took place regarding policy interventions and reforms necessary for the effective rollout of PMAY-U 2.0. The deliberations highlighted the importance of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in achieving the vision of “Housing for All.”
This visit reaffirmed the commitment of both the Central and State Governments to accelerate urban housing initiatives and ensure dignified living conditions for all sections of society.
