Bhubaneswar, June 15: The Odisha government is planning to introduce affordable rental housing facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0 to provide accommodation for migrant workers, students and other temporary urban residents.
Announcing the proposal on Sunday, Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the initiative will be integrated with housing projects being developed for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), creating a network of low-cost rental homes across urban centres in the state.
The minister said the rental housing model is aimed at supporting labourers who move to cities for employment and students who relocate for higher education. Under the proposed system, workers will be able to rent accommodation during their period of employment and return to their native places once their work is completed. Similarly, students can stay in these facilities while pursuing their studies and vacate them after completing their courses.
Mahapatra said the government intends to keep rental charges affordable so that economically vulnerable groups can access safe and decent housing without relying on informal settlements or slums.
According to the minister, the initiative could play a significant role in curbing the growth of urban slums by offering a formal and affordable housing alternative to migrant populations.
The state government is also preparing an Odisha Urban Rental Housing Policy to regulate the rental housing sector and establish a balanced framework for both landlords and tenants.
“We are seeking suggestions from all stakeholders, including house owners and tenants. The policy is being designed to minimise disputes and ensure that both parties feel secure and protected,” Mahapatra said.
He added that public consultations on the draft policy are currently underway. The final policy will be notified after reviewing feedback and recommendations received from various stakeholders and sections of society.
The proposed rental housing initiative is expected to strengthen urban housing infrastructure while addressing the accommodation needs of thousands of migrant workers, students and low-income residents across Odisha.
