Good news for homebuyers as Odisha govt appoints new interim head of ORERA

In a major relief for homebuyers in Odisha, the Odisha government has named Usha Padhee, the Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, as the interim head of the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA). 

This appointment comes shortly after the authority became non-functional following the retirement of its last serving member.

ORERA had been left without leadership since February when its Chairperson, Siddhanta Das stepped down. 

Gopal Chandra Patnaik, who was serving as acting chairperson, retired last Saturday; and Pradeep Biswal, the administrative member, also retired on May 2, reported The Times of India.

With Padhee stepping in as interim chairperson, ORERA is now expected to resume at least its core functions.

According to an official order, the appointment has been made under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and will remain in effect until further notice. 

Meanwhile, sources within the department have revealed that a selection committee has finalized names for permanent positions, and the proposal is awaiting clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Residents welcomed the move. “ORERA has become a trusted platform for safeguarding the rights of homebuyers. Its efforts have significantly reduced malpractice in the real estate sector,” said a local resident.

Over the years, ORERA has enhanced transparency by ensuring proper registration of real estate projects and agents. It has also delivered several impactful decisions that have upheld the interests of property buyers across the state.