States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 10:13PM


Odisha showcases inclusive affordable housing model at National Urban Conclave 2026

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) Odisha has showcased its integrated and inclusive approach to affordable urban housing at the 2nd National Urban Conclave 2026 in Bhubaneswar, on Saturday highlighting a range of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between housing demand and supply while ensuring access to safe and secure homes for economically weaker and vulnerable sections of society.
The State’s initiatives were presented during a session on “Affordable Housing – Demand & Supply Dynamics”, where Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, participated as a panellist and outlined Odisha’s efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities for diverse urban populations.
Padhee emphasised the need to address both demand-side constraints and supply-side challenges through a comprehensive framework encompassing financial assistance, policy reforms, development incentives and innovative housing models.
A key initiative highlighted during the session was PMAY-Urban BANDHU (Beneficiary Assistance for Nurturing Development of Housing Units), for which Rs. 1,615 crore has been earmarked over five years.
The initiative aims to strengthen the affordable housing ecosystem through viability support for housing projects, assistance and incentives for construction workers, and proposed housing credit assistance for eligible households.
BANDHU also seeks to address the housing needs of landless families and households that remain inadequately covered under existing provisions. In addition, it promotes affordable housing, rental accommodation and transit housing to meet the needs of different categories of urban residents.
Odisha has adopted a range of housing models to cater to households with varying financial capacities and accommodation requirements. These include mandatory affordable housing provisions in developer projects, market-based incentives, dedicated affordable housing projects, in-situ slum redevelopment, relocation, beneficiary-led construction and rental housing.
The diversified approach is designed to expand the availability of affordable homes across urban areas while responding to the specific needs of economically weaker sections, low-income households, migrant workers and other vulnerable populations.
Under the beneficiary-led construction model, approximately 1.4 lakh houses have been completed and occupied across urban Odisha. Affordable housing projects and in-situ slum redevelopment initiatives have also helped families gain access to secure housing in major cities.
Recognising the growing need for flexible and affordable accommodation among migrant workers and other mobile urban populations, Odisha is also expanding its rental housing initiatives.
Under BANDHU, rental housing retrofitting projects are being supported in Rourkela, Dhenkanal, Paradip and Jharsuguda. These projects are expected to provide additional accommodation options for people who move to urban centres for employment and other livelihood opportunities.
The initiative reflects the State’s broader effort to complement homeownership with rental and transit housing solutions, ensuring that urban housing policies respond to the needs of different population groups.
Padhee also outlined a series of policy reforms aimed at reducing the cost of housing and encouraging greater participation by developers and other stakeholders in affordable housing development.
These measures include substantial reductions in stamp duty and registration charges for eligible homes, mandatory provisions for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) housing, and development incentives through additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and Transferable Development Rights (TDR).
The State has also undertaken reforms relating to rental housing and proposed provisions for reserving land for affordable housing in Master Plans and Development Plans.
These measures are intended to create a more supportive policy environment, encourage private sector participation and improve the financial viability of affordable housing projects.
Another significant highlight of Odisha’s presentation was the proposed BHUMI (Bank of Land for Housing & Urban Masterplan and Infrastructure) framework.
The framework envisages the creation of a dedicated land bank supported by a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based land inventory, a nodal mechanism for land allocation and dedicated financial arrangements to facilitate housing and urban infrastructure development.
By improving the identification, planning and allocation of land, the proposed framework seeks to address one of the major constraints affecting affordable housing development in urban areas.
The draft policy is currently under process and is proposed to be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
Odisha’s presentation at the National Urban Conclave 2026 underscored the importance of an integrated and inclusive approach to urban housing, bringing together beneficiary assistance, policy reforms, private sector participation, rental housing solutions and planned land availability.
Through these complementary interventions, the State aims to narrow the urban housing demand–supply gap, improve access to safe and affordable homes, and ensure that the benefits of urban development reach economically weaker and vulnerable households.
The initiatives also reflect Odisha’s broader commitment to promoting inclusive, sustainable and well-planned urban growth, with affordable housing positioned as a key component of equitable urban development.
UNI DP
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