Bhubaneswar: In a significant push towards strengthening rural governance and supporting vulnerable families, the Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has launched two major initiatives. The state simultaneously inaugurated the construction of hundreds of new panchayat offices and disbursed the first round of financial aid to nearly 50,000 families under a key housing scheme. 
Odisha Launches 471 New Panchayat Offices & Disburses Housing Aid


The landmark events took place this Sunday during a virtual ceremony originating from the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The program connected government officials and beneficiaries from multiple districts across the state, showcasing a unified effort to enhance public welfare.

Building the Foundation for Stronger Rural Administration

In a move set to transform local governance, Chief Minister Majhi formally laid the foundation stone for 471 new Gram Panchayat offices. This large-scale infrastructure project aims to improve administrative reach and streamline service delivery in Odisha's rural heartlands. 

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The new offices will provide dedicated, functional spaces for panchayat operations, bringing government services closer to people's doorsteps. This initiative is expected to foster better civic participation and ensure that essential public services are more accessible to rural communities. The state government views this project as a critical step in building a robust and efficient administrative framework at the grassroots level. 
Odisha Launches 471 New Panchayat Offices & Disburses Housing Aid


Providing Shelter and Security Through Antyodaya Gruha Yojana

During the same event, Chief Minister Majhi transitioned from infrastructure to direct welfare, disbursing the first instalment of financial assistance to 48,693 beneficiary families under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. This housing support scheme is designed to offer a safety net for the state's most vulnerable citizens.
With this disbursement, the scheme officially enters its third phase of implementation. The government previously included 60,000 beneficiaries in the first phase and 50,000 in the second phase. The current phase extends this crucial housing support to an additional 48,693 families, who will now begin receiving their financial aid. Officials noted that beneficiaries from Kalahandi and Nuapada districts will receive their instalments under a separate, upcoming program.


Wide-Ranging Eligibility for Comprehensive Coverage

The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana casts a wide net to ensure that various sections of society in need receive housing support. According to official guidelines, the scheme extends its benefits to a diverse range of eligible individuals and families.

Key eligible categories include:

· Individuals with more than 40 percent disabilities.
· Widows and individuals suffering from severe medical conditions such as kidney disease, heart ailments, cancer, or tuberculosis.
· Families of martyrs and recipients of the prestigious Padma Shri award.
· Families who have lost their homes due to natural disasters like floods, cyclones, or fires.
· Families affected by elephant attacks, particularly in cases involving human fatalities or the destruction of homes.
This inclusive approach ensures that the scheme provides a roof and security to those who need it most, regardless of the nature of their hardship.
The launch of these twin initiatives marks a committed effort by the Odisha government to simultaneously fortify its rural administrative backbone and provide direct, meaningful assistance to its citizens, paving the way for enhanced rural development and social welfare across the state.