In a major milestone for rural welfare in Odisha, lakhs of impoverished families are set to realise their dream of owning a secure home.
On November 14, a state-wide distribution program under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) will be rolled out simultaneously across every district, block, and panchayat in the state, as announced by Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.
The flagship event will take place at the Bolangir district headquarters, where Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan will personally hand over houses to beneficiaries in the esteemed presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Expanding the Reach of Rural Housing
Highlighting the government’s aggressive push for housing security, Minister Naik noted that 4 lakh houses under PMAY and 5 lakh houses under the Antyodaya scheme have already been distributed. In this upcoming phase on November 14, an additional 2,91,600 houses will be formally allocated. This massive rollout aims to ensure that every eligible marginalised family transitions out of vulnerable, kachha houses into safe, permanent pucca dwellings equipped with basic amenities like sanitation and drinking water. Special priority is being given to vulnerable demographics, including widows and persons with disabilities.
Extensive Preparations in Bolangir
The district administration in Bolangir has stepped up preparations under the direct supervision of the Collector. Rigorous checks of beneficiary lists, construction progress reviews, and robust crowd management and security protocols involving police and security personnel are currently underway. The main venue is fully prepped with podium setups, sound systems, and medical emergency teams to ensure a smooth, disruption-free ceremony.
Strengthening Governance and Regional Development
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s visit underscores the administration’s commitment to Western Odisha, which he has previously described as the beating heart of the region. Beyond housing distribution, the high-profile visit is expected to pave the way for reviews of other ongoing developmental projects, further solidifying the state government’s dedication to inclusive grassroots growth.
