Odisha government announces new housing scheme

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led cabinet has announced a new rural housing scheme called 'Mo Ghara' on the fourth anniversary of his current five-year term. This scheme aims to target those who have been excluded from existing Central and state housing schemes. With an allocated budget of Rs 2,150 crore for the next two years, the scheme is expected to benefit four lakh families. The timing of this announcement is strategic, as it coincides with the upcoming Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, which are scheduled to take place within a year. The application process for the scheme will commence on June 16.

Panchayati Raj Minister Pradip Amat, during a media briefing after the cabinet's approval of the scheme, highlighted that families belonging to the lower income and lower middle-income groups with a monthly income below Rs 25,000 would be the primary beneficiaries. These families were previously excluded from existing housing schemes due to stringent eligibility criteria or insufficient allocation. Minister Amat emphasized the government's commitment to prioritize the transformation of kutcha houses (mud houses) into pucca houses (concrete houses) for these families.

Additionally, families who have previously received smaller amounts of housing assistance and now wish to upgrade or expand their houses will also be able to benefit from the 'Mo Ghara' scheme. Eligible beneficiaries can avail credit-linked loans of up to Rs 3 lakh with a capital subsidy. The state budget will fully fund this scheme, covering the interest payments, which range from Rs 30,000 to Rs 70,000, depending on the loan amount. Furthermore, vulnerable sections of society, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and households led by persons with disabilities, will receive higher rebates.

Under the 'Mo Ghara' scheme, banks will not charge a processing fee for loan sanction. The government will waive the registration fee and stamp duties required during the mortgage of the title deed. Additionally, the scheme will reimburse applicants for legal consultation fees, up to a maximum of Rs 1000 per applicant.

To be eligible for a loan under this scheme, applicants must possess clear homestead land title and invest a minimum of 10% of the loan amount as margin money, which can be in the form of cash, kind, or labour.

Currently, people in villages receive housing aid through various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Grameen) and the state's Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana, Pucca Ghar Yojana (Mining), and Nirman Shramik Pucca Ghar Yojana. According to official sources, a total of 30.13 lakh houses have been constructed under these schemes.

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Odisha government announces new housing scheme

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