Bhubaneswar, Jan 08: A high-level review meeting on Transit Housing and Affordable Housing Projects (AHPs) was held today under the chairpersonship of Housing & Urban Development Department Secretary Usha Padhee to assess the status of completed housing stock, streamline allotment mechanisms, and strengthen measures for planned urban growth.
The meeting undertook a detailed review of key affordable housing projects, including the Chandrasekharpur Affordable Housing Project (Buddha Vihar), Nilamadhab Awas Yojana, Santipali Awas Yojana, and the Subuddhipur Affordable Housing Project.
Emphasis was laid on ensuring timely occupation of completed housing units, with project-wise progress, beneficiary coverage, and inter-agency coordination discussed to avoid vacancies in ready housing stock.
Progress of upcoming affordable housing projects at Ghatikia and Gadakana was also reviewed. Directions were issued for close monitoring of timelines and adherence to schedules, as these projects are critical to addressing urban housing demand and preventing unplanned settlements and encroachments.
A key outcome of the meeting was the decision to constitute an empowered committee, chaired by the Secretary, to provide policy oversight and ensure coordinated decision-making on affordable housing, rental housing prioritisation, allotment modalities, and optimal utilisation of completed AHP units. The committee will facilitate swift resolution of inter-departmental issues and ensure uniform implementation of housing policies.
It was decided that completed affordable housing units shall be provisionally allotted to eligible beneficiaries. The provisional allotment shall be valid for a period of six months, during which occupancy, usage, and compliance with eligibility conditions shall be closely monitored. Final allotment orders shall be issued only after successful completion of this watch period. The allotted dwelling units shall not be transferable, sub-let, or handed over to any other person, thereby ensuring disciplined and intended utilisation of affordable housing stock.
To promote sustainable urban mobility, the meeting underscored the importance of integrating housing allotments with the AMA BUS public transport system to improve accessibility while encouraging the use of public transport.
