Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to address housing challenges for the underprivileged, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially launched the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana 2025 on March 30 in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district. This flagship scheme aims to provide pucca houses to low-income families who have been left out of existing housing initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
A Bold Vision for Housing Security
Speaking at the launch event, CM Majhi emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring housing for every rural family. “Since the 1970s, poor people have struggled to secure homes. It is time to change that narrative. Through Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, every helpless and houseless individual will have a dignified roof over their head,” he stated.
The scheme targets families living in kutcha houses and those affected by natural calamities, fire mishaps, elephant attacks, or displacement due to development projects. Vulnerable groups such as differently-abled individuals, widows, families suffering from chronic illnesses like cancer or HIV/AIDS, and families of martyrs will be prioritized.
Key Features of Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
- Financial Assistance: Beneficiaries will receive ₹1.2 lakh for constructing houses with a minimum carpet area of 25 square meters. Additional benefits from welfare schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission (toilets), Ujjwala Yojana (cooking gas), Jal Jeevan Mission (clean drinking water), and Saubhagya Scheme (electricity) will be integrated.
- Budget Allocation: For the current financial year, ₹2,600 crore has been earmarked, with an ambitious plan to invest ₹7,550 crore over three years. The state aims to construct over 5 lakh houses during this period.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Funds will be disbursed directly to beneficiaries in three installments based on construction progress.
- Employment Opportunities: Beneficiaries will also gain employment through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), with 90-95 days of wage support provided for unskilled laborers.
Simplified Eligibility Criteria
The scheme has redefined “family” and “pucca house” to include more beneficiaries. Families comprising husband, wife, dependent parents, and children are eligible. Kutcha houses with asbestos or tin roofs are now classified as inadequate housing under the scheme.
How to Apply?
Interested applicants can apply online via the official website or contact their local Panchayat office or Block Development Officer. A toll-free helpline number (0674-6817777) has been set up for assistance.
A Comprehensive Approach
On the inaugural day, work orders for 60,000 houses were issued across Odisha. The scheme also includes auxiliary benefits such as incentives for timely completion of house construction—₹20,000 for finishing within four months and ₹10,000 for completing within six months.
Additionally, CM Majhi launched developmental projects worth ₹617.51 crore in Kalahandi district alongside this housing initiative.
Hope for the Future
The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana represents a significant step forward in Odisha’s rural development agenda. By addressing housing needs comprehensively and prioritizing vulnerable groups, it promises to uplift countless lives across the state.
Stay tuned with Digihunt News for updates on how this transformative scheme impacts Odisha’s rural communities!