Berhampur: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the 'Biju Pucca Ghara Yojana' (BPGY), a housing project for rural poor, at Sheragada in Ganjam district.
Patnaik launched the scheme by unveiling its logo and handed over work orders to five beneficiaries hailing from Aska, Dharakota, Hinjili, Sheragada, and Sanakhemundi blocks.
Under the scheme, all 'kutcha' houses would be converted into 'pucca' ones in the next five years.
"We have decided to launch the Shelter Security Mission in the state soon," he said while addressing a meeting at Hinjili, his home constituency.
The scheme envisages to provide low-cost houses to poor families in the state.
"Over 25 lakh houses will be constructed under the scheme with an investment of around Rs 20,000 crore in the next five years," the chief minister announced.
Patnaik said his government was working for benefit of the farming community in the state and announced an additional ten lakh hectares of land would be irrigated in the next five years.
"The government is working for the welfare of all sections of the people and your blessings are necessary for successful implantation of the schemes," he said.
Addressing the golden jubilee function of the Science College, Hinjili, the chief minister said several national and international institutions were being set up in the state.
Patnaik announced Rs 40 lakh from his area development fund and Rs ten lakh from the special problem fund for construction of a hall in the college.
Chairperson of the college V Sugnana Kumari Deo, also an MLA (Kabisurya Nagar), announced Rs 30 lakh from her area development fund for a golden jubilee building.
During his day-long visit to his home turf, the chief minister inaugurated several projects in Sheragaa including a fire station, Farmers' Information Centre, skill training centre and a building for the child development project office (CDPO). He also laid the foundation stone for a high-mast light and vending zone in Hinjili NAC.