Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved 11 key proposals to enhance housing, sports, and connectivity. Among the most significant decisions is the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana (AGY), a housing initiative designed to provide permanent shelter to vulnerable families.
Antyodaya Gruha Yojana: Affordable Housing for Weaker Sections
The Odisha government has allocated Rs 7,550 crore to build 2.25 lakh pucca houses in three years. The scheme targets displaced families, persons with disabilities, Forest Rights Act beneficiaries, and those affected by disasters.
Each beneficiary will receive Rs 1.2 lakh to construct a 25-square-meter house (excluding the toilet area). To speed up construction, the government offers Rs 20,000 for completion within four months and Rs 10,000 for finishing within six months.
The initiative has redefined permanent housing. Only houses with cement-bonded walls and RCC roofing qualify. Structures with asbestos, tin, or tile roofs are now classified as kutcha houses. The definition of a family unit now includes husband, wife, dependent parents, and children, broadening eligibility.
Boosting Sports Infrastructure
To support grassroots sports, Odisha will build multi-sports stadiums in all 314 blocks. The budget for this initiative is Rs 4,124 crore. Each stadium will occupy 8–10 acres per block and include facilities for football, cricket, athletics, kho kho, kabaddi, table tennis, and badminton, along with indoor halls. The project will be implemented in phases over five years.
Improving Connectivity with Bridge Construction
To enhance road networks, the Cabinet approved bridge construction over the Brahmani, Kharasrota, Baitarani, and Mahanadi rivers. The Rs 895 crore investment will improve transportation in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda districts. These bridges aim to ease congestion and promote tourism in areas like Bhitarkanika.
Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement (DRIP) Phase II & III
The government has allocated Rs 1,066 crore to modernize the Hirakud Dam, automate its gates, construct an additional spillway, and improve dam safety. This initiative, supported by the World Bank and AIIB, will strengthen Odisha’s water infrastructure.
Other Cabinet Decisions
The Cabinet also approved:
- Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Implementation: Aligning with national pension reforms for state employees.
- Renewable Energy Policy Amendments: Increasing wheeling charge concessions for industries using renewable power from 25% to 50%.
- Recruitment Reforms: Updating OPSC Rules, 1952, and Odisha District & Civil Court Judicial Staff Services Recruitment Rules, 2008, to ensure transparency and efficiency.
A Stronger Odisha Ahead
These approvals reflect the government’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities, promoting sports, and modernizing infrastructure. The initiatives are expected to improve the quality of life for thousands across the state.
Chief Minister Majhi stated that these measures reinforce the government’s goal of building an inclusive and prosperous Odisha. “This is about creating opportunities, improving livelihoods, and ensuring no citizen is left behind,” he said.
As implementation begins, Odisha’s residents can expect better housing, expanded sports facilities, improved roads, and modernized water management. These efforts will drive progress across the state.
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