Bhubaneswar, Sep 23: In a written reply during the ongoing session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik revealed that a total of 28,08,705 families in Odisha have been sanctioned homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) since the financial year 2016–17.

Out of these, 24,49,862 houses have already been completed, while 3,58,843 homes are currently under construction. The minister was responding to a question raised by MLA Manas Dutta.

Between 2016–17 and 2024–25, the state received a target allocation of 28,49,889 housing units from the central government under PMAY-Gramin. The distribution of homes for the current financial year will begin after the completion of the ongoing survey and once the central target is officially received.

The survey has provisionally identified 37,89,234 families who were previously excluded from the scheme. These families will be considered for housing approval in phases, based on eligibility and verification outcomes.

The minister emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that all eligible rural families receive housing support under the scheme. The phased approach aims to streamline the allocation process and ensure transparency.

PMAY-Gramin is a flagship initiative aimed at providing pucca houses to rural families living in inadequate housing conditions. The scheme has significantly contributed to improving rural infrastructure and living standards across Odisha.

With the survey nearing completion, the state government is preparing to initiate the next round of housing allotments, ensuring that no deserving family is left behind.

In response to a question raised by MLA Goutam Buddha Das, the Panchayati Raj Minister stated that 56 ineligible beneficiaries had received houses under the Antyodaya housing scheme. Installment payments had also been credited to their accounts.

However, after their initial inclusion, the government conducted a re-investigation and subsequently removed them from the beneficiary list, said Minister Naik. The Panchayati Raj Minister confirmed that all funds disbursed to these individuals have been recovered by the government.