Celebrating PM Modi's 75th Birthday: Odisha's Grand Housing Initiative and Tree Plantation Drive

Odisha's Housing Initiative for Economically Weaker Sections

Bhubaneswar: On Thursday, the Odisha government announced plans to issue work orders for 50,000 Antyodaya houses on September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik revealed that this initiative aims to provide permanent housing to economically disadvantaged individuals currently residing in temporary structures. Each beneficiary will receive housing assistance of ₹1.2 lakh for constructing a pucca house with a minimum area of 25 square feet.

Naik further mentioned that over one lakh beneficiaries have already been registered under this scheme. Additionally, he stated that work orders for houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) will be distributed in November. A recent survey indicated that approximately 35 lakh individuals have applied for the new PM Awas scheme, with the government aiming to finalize all necessary procedures by November and commence issuing work orders shortly thereafter.

Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a plan to plant 75 lakh saplings on Modi’s birthday as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. He expressed that this initiative is a tribute to the Prime Minister’s dedication to Odisha’s progress and goodwill towards its citizens. The tree planting will occur across the state on September 17, symbolizing a collective gift from the people to the PM.

In addition to these initiatives, the ruling BJP has organized various programs to celebrate Modi’s 75th birthday, including a ‘Seva Pakshya’ (service fortnight) from September 17 to October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.