Naveen Patnaik unveils ‘Biju Pucca Ghar’ Scheme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has unveiled the ‘Biju Pucca Ghar’ scheme, which will be known as Shelter Security Mission. The total project outlay will be Rs 15,000 – 16,000 crore. The CM has vowed to monitor the mission himself to ensure its success. The CM’s announcement is seen as desperate attempt to counter BJP National President Amit Shah’s massive rally in Bhubaneswar today.

While inaugurating the two-day Collectors’ Conference at the State Secretariat, Naveen Patnaik expressed confidence that the new scheme will fulfill the aspirations of the poor and needy people in the state.

“My Government is committed to convert all the Kutcha houses into Pucca houses. For this to be achieved, every year we have to facilitate construction of more than five lakh houses. I understand that a task of this scale requires huge mobilization of resources, manpower, a scientific and innovative implementation strategy and precise monitoring and execution,” he said.

In order to facilitate speedy completion of houses with an objective of Zero Incomplete Houses, the State Government has taken the following decisions:

• Rupees 10,000/- incentive for houses that are completed within four months from the date of issue of work order and release of first installment. Out of this, Rs. 9000/- will go to the beneficiary who can utilise this for purchase of household articles for the completed house purely as per her/his choice. Rs. 1000/- will go to the Government functionary/functionaries who have monitored and supervised the construction work.

• Those who complete houses in six month time can get a incentive of Rs. 5000/- out of which Rs. 500/- will go to the Government functionary/functionaries who have monitored and supervised the construction work.

Further, cash incentive and awards will be instituted for Grampanchayats, Blocks and Districts performing well in Biju Pucca Ghar Scheme. An untied fund of Rs. 10 to 30 lakhs will be provided annually to each district Collector basing on the number of blocks in the district. This fund can be utilised by  Collectors for innovations that will help in effective implementation of the scheme. They can also use this fund for improving, monitoring and as incentives to those persons/agencies who help in the effective implementation of this scheme. There shall also be a concurrent monitoring by a 3rd party. Along with rural housing, Government is also proposing to come out with low cost affordable housing for urban poor, particularly for those living in slum areas.