Antyodaya housing scheme to be launched in Odisha on March 30

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is set to launch the Odisha Antyodaya Gruha Yojana 2025 (an ambitious housing scheme) in Kalahandi district on March 30, official sources said on Thursday.

Also Read: Odisha Govt eases Awas Yojana eligibility criteria for applicants

Know who will benefit from the housing scheme

This initiative aims to benefit 50,000 individuals, including those who are differently-abled, widows, and people suffering from various ailments. In addition to these groups, families of martyrs and recipients of the Padma Shri award will also benefit from this scheme.

Besides, the Awas survey operations to identify beneficiaries will continue until March 31, according to the Minister of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Rabi Narayan Naik. Nearly 19 lakh people have already registered their names to participate in this survey, and further registrations are anticipated.

“Antyodaya Gruha Yojana is a unique scheme of the Odisha government for poor people of the State. The scheme, which is to be implemented through the Panchayati Raj department, was mentioned in the annual budget earlier placed by the CM,” the Minister said.

“As per a decision previously taken in the Cabinet, several major steps have been taken to connect a large number of poor people to the housing scheme. Accordingly, a programme is scheduled to be organised in Kalahandi district on March 30, and at least 50,000 people will be included in the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana,” the Minister stated.

“Eligible beneficiaries of the housing scheme will be able to know their application statuses and all other details through the PEOs (panchayat extension officers) and BDOs (block development officers),” Minister Naik expressed.

Worth mentioning, the housing allocation policy was earlier eased in Odisha and individuals who own motorcycles, refrigerators, or landlines will now qualify for housing under the updated Awas Yojana guidelines. These changes, recently disseminated to the District Collectors, reflect a departure from previous restrictions.

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A simplified feature of the update is the introduction of an online application process, allowing applicants to independently verify their eligibility. Furthermore, applicants can review the reasons for any previous rejection of their applications, marking a step toward enhanced transparency, official sources had said.