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Key Points

The PMAY (U) scheme has revolutionized urban housing in Odisha, providing concrete homes to over 1.9 lakh families. Beneficiaries like Puja Pradhan and Sunita Bibi now live without fear of leaks or monsoon damage. The government offers Rs 2 lakh per unit alongside essential amenities, ensuring a dignified life. A decade since its launch, PM Modi’s vision has reshaped India’s urban housing landscape.

Key Points: PM Modi's PMAY Transforms Lives of Odisha Urban Poor

  • PMAY (U) has sanctioned 1.9 lakh homes in Odisha
  • 1.32 lakh houses already completed
  • Rs 2 lakh financial aid per unit
  • Includes sanitation, water, and electricity
2 min read

Decade of transformative housing: Urban poor in Odisha find shelter, dignity under PMAY (U)

Over 1.9 lakh homes built in Odisha under PMAY (U), restoring dignity and security to urban poor families with concrete houses and basic amenities.

"People who once lived under broken asbestos sheets now proudly own solid, secure homes. This is not just a scheme—it’s a revolution. – Sarita Mishra, Municipal Councillor"

Angul, June 25

Once confined to fragile thatched huts and leaky asbestos rooftops, thousands of urban poor families across Odisha now live in the safety of concrete homes -- thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).

Launched in 2015, the flagship housing scheme has become a beacon of hope for the underprivileged in urban and semi-urban areas.

Initially focused on rural housing, PMAY was expanded by the PM Modi government to include the urban homeless. The 2015 revamp marked a strategic shift towards "Housing for All", targeting economically weaker sections, particularly slum dwellers and low-income families living in substandard conditions.

Speaking to IANS, Sarita Mishra, a municipal councillor, highlighted the scheme’s grassroots impact.

“People who once lived under broken asbestos sheets now proudly own solid, secure homes. This is not just a scheme -- it’s a revolution,” she said.

For beneficiaries like Puja Pradhan, the change is deeply personal.

“I never imagined I would live in a concrete home. Today, I have a roof that doesn’t leak when it rains. It’s a dream come true,” she said.

Another recipient, Sunita Bibi, shared how the scheme transformed her family’s life.

“My children now sleep safely. Earlier, we used to worry every monsoon. Now, we live with dignity,” she said.

According to official data, 1,90,384 houses were sanctioned for the urban poor across all 30 districts of Odisha under PMAY (U). Of these, 1,32,522 houses have been completed. The government provides up to Rs 2 lakh per unit in phased financial assistance. Beyond shelter, the homes come equipped with basic amenities such as sanitation, water supply, and electricity, improving the overall quality of life.

“PMAY is not just a housing scheme; it’s a mission to restore dignity and stability to every poor family,” said Rudra Narayan Pani, MP from Dhenkanal, crediting Prime Minister Modi’s foresight for reshaping India’s urban housing landscape.

As the scheme completes a decade, its impact is visible in smiles that speak of security, stability, and empowerment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K.
This is truly heartwarming! 👏 For too long, our urban poor have lived in terrible conditions. PMAY is changing lives one concrete roof at a time. Hope they maintain quality standards though - some states have reported subpar construction.
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Priya M.
As someone from Odisha, I've seen the transformation firsthand. The joy on people's faces when they get their own pucca house is priceless. But government should also focus on creating livelihood opportunities near these new colonies.
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Rahul S.
Good initiative but implementation needs improvement. My relative in Cuttack waited 3 years for approval. Corruption at local level sometimes delays benefits. Still, better than no scheme at all!
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Sunita P.
Housing is a basic human right. Kudos to PM Modi for making this happen! My maid in Bhubaneswar got her house last year - she cries with happiness every time she talks about it. More such schemes needed for urban poor across India.
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Manish T.
️The numbers look impressive but ground reality is different in some areas. Many houses in my district lack proper water connection. Government should monitor post-construction amenities too. Still, a good start towards Housing for All.
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Neha R.
My NGO works with urban poor in Odisha. While PMAY is great, many eligible families don't have proper documents to apply. Hope government can simplify the process for most vulnerable sections. The houses we've seen are well-built though!

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