Odisha: Financial assistance announced for housing scheme beneficiaries for repair work

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of panchayat polls in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced financial assistance for beneficiaries of housing schemes of the State government.

Patnaik in a video message stated Rs 3,000 financial assistance will be provided to the beneficiaries of the Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, Nirman Sharmik Pucca Ghar Yojana (Construction Labour Pucca Housing Scheme), Khani Anchal Pucca Ghar Yojana (Mining Area Pucca Housing Scheme) for house repair work.

Also, he stated those who have been left out and wait to get a pucca house under the Central housing scheme -Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) – will get Rs 5,000 assistance from the State government for house repair work.

The financial assistance will be credited to the beneficiaries through direct-to-benefit (DBT) mode, the Chief Minister informed, adding that as many as 30 lakh families will be benefitted due to the decision.

The State government will spend around Rs 1,444 crore from the fund allotted for its flagship Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana.

Patnaik added if the Centre does not consider Odisha’s oft-repeated and just demands for more houses for needy people, the State government will take steps to construct houses for them.

The decisions got the approval during the State Cabinet meeting as well which was held under chairmanship of the Chief Minister today evening in Bhubaneswar.

Hitting out at the Central government for not sanctioning PMAY houses for the people of Odisha, Naveen said: “As long as my government is there, I will not allow my brothers and sisters in the State to be harassed for a house. I wish everyone to live with dignity. We are trying to get a pucca house for you all from the Central scheme.”

“However, no need to worry, if the Central government does not accept yours’ legitimate right, the state government is with you. We will take steps to provide a pucca house for you all,” he assured the people.

Political pundits are of the opinion the Chief Minister’s announcements could be sops for voters especially in rural areas of the State as the three-tier panchayat elections will be held in next few months. The dates for panchayat polls have not been announced so far.