Push for RERA reform in Odisha amid PM Modi’s compliance call

In light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s renewed emphasis on strict compliance, mandatory registration, and effective grievance redressal under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), real estate activist has urged the Odisha government to take immediate corrective steps for effective implementation of the Act in the state.

Drawing attention to Odisha’s gaps in RERA implementation, Bimalendu Pradhan, a real estate activist stressed the need for mandatory registration of projects. 

“Plan-approving authorities must be directed to inform ORERA within 72 hours of approving projects involving more than 500 sq. mtr of plotted land or apartments with over eight units,” he said, citing Section 3 of the RERA Act. He added that ORERA must proactively follow up with promoters instead of waiting for complaints to find out non-registration.

He also called upon the Housing and Urban Development Department to direct development authorities to notify ORERA when any request for amendment or modification of building plans is received. “Many ORERA communications are pending without any response,” he noted.

On grievance disposal, Pradhan demanded better infrastructure and staffing to help ORERA execute its own orders under Section 40(2) of the Act. 
He also raised concerns over slow execution rates under OPDR procedures, urging the Revenue Department to report progress.

In terms of stricter compliance, he proposed forming a coordination committee comprising the ORERA Chairperson, Principal Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development, and Revenue & Disaster Management. He also stressed the need for manpower enhancement and active cooperation from Tahsildar offices to tackle illegal plotted schemes.

With two cases currently pending in the Supreme Court—including a PIL and a contempt case against the ADM, Bhubaneswar—the activist’s suggestions gain further urgency.