CM distributes first installment under Antyodaya Housing Scheme, lays foundation for 471 Gram Panchayat offices

Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): To strengthen rural governance and ensure housing for the poor, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday virtually laid the foundation stone for 471 Gram Panchayat offices across the state and distributed the first installment under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme from Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

A total of 48,693 beneficiaries from 28 districts (excluding Nuapada and Kalahandi) received financial assistance of Rs 40,000 each as the first installment. The total amount disbursed under this phase stands at Rs 194.77 crore.

The Chief Minister said that between the financial years 2024–25 and 2027–28, Rs 7,550 crore has been allocated for constructing 5 lakh houses under the scheme. Beneficiaries completing their houses within four months will receive an additional Rs 20,000, while those finishing within six months will get Rs 10,000 as incentive.

He added that each Gram Panchayat office will be developed as a One Stop Service Centre, ensuring all public services under one roof. Each office will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh, jointly funded by the Centre and the state government.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Nayak stated that these buildings will serve as the foundation of rural governance and play a vital role in improving the lives of villagers by providing all essential services efficiently.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Panchayati Raj Department officials, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local representatives from 28 districts joined the event virtually.