New Delhi, Aug 11: The Centre is likely to fund over 10 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas (PM Awas) in Odisha. It was revealed after a high-level meeting between the Union minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Giriraj Singh and Odisha counterpart Pradip Amat in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday.

 In the meeting held at the Krushi Bhawan in New Delhi today, Singh reviewed the status of PM Awas Yojna and assured to sanction at least 8 lakh PM Awas for Odisha. However, Singh said that Odisha is a backbencher in terms of implementation of the PM Awas Yojna during the scheduled timeline. Meanwhile, a Central Agency has found gross irregularity in finalising the beneficiaries.

Singh also said that an amount of Rs 48,000 crore has been allocated for the Yojna across the state from which over Rs7000 crore has been funded to Odisha for the scheme. However, the state should comply with a number of guidelines.

The Pucca houses will be marked with the logo of the Union government. At the same time, eligible beneficiaries will take the help of the Lokpal of other third parties in case they are exempted from the scheme.

On the Other hand, PR Minister, Amat said that Odisha government has taken stern action against the officials who have manipulated beneficiaries under the scheme. More than 60 officials have been placed under suspension for irregularities.