Emphasising that secure housing forms the cornerstone of a developed state, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that ensuring a concrete roof for every family remains the government’s top priority.
Speaking at a major rural housing event in Balangir, the Chief Minister inaugurated the distribution of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and rolled out development projects worth INR 911 crore for the district.
Highlighting the state’s welfare strides, CM Majhi noted that a pucca house is much more than brick and mortar—it is a symbol of dignity, safety, and a brighter future for families previously living in kucha houses. Since the 2014-15 fiscal year, over 41 lakh rural homes have been successfully constructed across Odisha, with 5.66 lakh homes completed in the last two years alone.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, out of 28.06 lakh sanctioned PMAY-G houses for the state, 25.58 lakh have already been completed. These homes are equipped with essential utilities, including toilets, piped drinking water, cooking gas, and electricity. Furthermore, following a recent survey, an additional 1 lakh houses have been approved, raising Odisha’s total sanctioned quota under the scheme to 5 lakh.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attending the ceremony, announced that Balangir will serve as the starting point for a newly introduced poverty alleviation pilot project in India. Praising the state’s progress, he highlighted that nearly 50 crore people have risen out of extreme poverty nationwide over the past 12 years. He also lauded Odisha’s achievement of creating 29 lakh Lakhpati Didis and assured that Balangir’s upcoming agricultural university would grow into a premier institution.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo stressed the integration of the PM-Surya Ghar scheme with rural housing to promote rooftop solar panels and agri-tourism. Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik noted that prompt completion incentives—offering INR 35,000 for finishing homes within 5 months and INR 20,000 within 7 months—have already benefited over 11.35 lakh beneficiaries. Health Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling added that Balangir is swiftly transforming into a major medical hub with expanded healthcare infrastructure.
During the event held at the sacred Maa Pataneswari Peeth, the Chief Minister unveiled 248 development projects worth approximately INR 911 crore for Balangir. This includes the inauguration of 160 projects valued at INR 176 crore and the laying of foundation stones for 88 projects worth INR 735 crore, covering healthcare, irrigation, rural roads, and educational infrastructure.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of Balangir MP Sangeeta Singh Deo, Kantabanji MLA Laxman Bag, Titilagarh MLA Naveen Kumar Jain, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Panchayati Raj Rupa Mishra, and Balangir Collector Gaurav Shivaji Ishwar, alongside local dignitaries and residents.
