Inclusive Growth / PMAY-U BANDHU: Phulbani Tailor’s Journey to Building Home with Dignity

Bhubaneswar, Sept 2: In the quiet lanes of Phulbani, a modest tailor’s house tells a story larger than bricks and mortar. It is the story of Runu Pradhan—a widow, a mother, and a woman who turned adversity into achievement with courage and timely government support.

For Runu, a home meant more than shelter. It symbolised dignity after years of uncertainty and a secure future for her two daughters. Following her husband’s death, she became the sole breadwinner, stitching clothes to keep her family afloat while ensuring her daughters’ education.

Her dream began to materialise in 2025 when she applied under PMAY-U 2.0. With determination, she completed her house in just three months and ten days, earning the Early Completion Incentive. Yet, the speed of construction came at a cost—reduced hours at her sewing machine meant wage loss.

At this crucial juncture, the State’s PMAY-U BANDHU initiative stepped in. In 2026, Runu received ₹25,000 compensation for wage loss, easing the financial strain. The support acknowledged a reality often overlooked—that for families dependent on daily earnings, building a home can mean sacrificing income.

Her journey was celebrated during the State-Level Local Self-Government Day 2026, where she interacted with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Sharing her experiences, Runu spoke of her tailoring livelihood, her daughters’ education, and the empowerment of building her own home.
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Runu’s transformation embodies the spirit of PMAY-U BANDHU—supporting beneficiaries beyond construction, recognising wage loss, and making home ownership more accessible. Today, her daughters study in a secure environment, and her house stands as a symbol of resilience and inclusive governance.

Her story is a reminder that when determination meets opportunity and timely government support, adversity can turn into achievement. Runu built her home with courage; BANDHU stood beside her when sacrifice was demanded; and together, they built a stronger foundation for tomorrow.