Odisha government announced PMAY-Urban BANDHU (Beneficiary Assistance for Nurturing Development of Housing Units) in the 2026–27 Budget to accelerate affordable housing delivery in towns and cities.
The initiative strengthens the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) framework by targeting support for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) families and extending housing benefits to landless urban households. Officials said the scheme bridges existing gaps and enhances implementation capacity, ensuring faster delivery and wider coverage.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted that PMAY-Urban BANDHU guarantees steady land availability. She confirmed that 50 acres of state land will be earmarked annually under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) vertical of PMAY-U 2.0. This measure, she said, will accelerate pucca housing delivery for EWS families.
The government allocated ₹120 crore under the initiative in the 2026–27 Budget. The program aims to streamline project execution across urban local bodies, improve institutional support, and strengthen coordination.
Anchored in the state’s vision document Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat, the initiative sets a target of ensuring that 90 per cent of households have pucca houses by 2029. Officials emphasised that housing serves as a foundation for improved health, education, livelihoods, and inclusive urban growth.
