Bhubaneswar, Aug. 21 (UDN): For thousands of people who move to Bhubaneswar every year for jobs, education and better opportunities, finding a reasonably priced home has become increasingly difficult. Rising rents, strict landlord conditions and limited options—especially for bachelors—have made affordable housing one of the city’s biggest challenges.
Representational Image
That could change if the Odisha government moves ahead with a new rental housing initiative inspired by Maharashtra’s affordable housing model.
Government plans rental housing for low and middle-income families
The Mohan Charan Majhi-led government is exploring the construction of affordable Low-Income Group (LIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) homes that could be offered on rent to eligible residents in the state capital.
The proposal is expected to draw from Maharashtra’s “My Home, My Right” model, which provides housing support to economically weaker and middle-income households based on income eligibility.
Under the model being studied:
Households earning Rs 16,000 to Rs 50,000 per month fall under the economically weaker category.
Families with monthly incomes between Rs 50,000 and Rs 75,000 qualify under the middle-income category.
Precast housing technology under consideration
Urban Housing Minister Krishna Chandra Mohapatra said the idea gained momentum after officials observed Maharashtra’s use of precast construction technology for affordable housing projects.
According to the minister, Odisha has already conducted a preliminary survey and will soon send a technical team for a detailed assessment. Based on those findings, the government intends to begin construction of similar housing projects in the state.
Key questions remain
While the proposal has generated optimism among tenants, several aspects of the scheme are yet to be finalised.
The government has not announced:
The final eligibility criteria for applicants.
Whether the scheme will be open to all tenants or only selected income groups.
How beneficiaries will be identified.
The number of rental homes to be built.
The timeline for implementation.
Why the proposal matters
Bhubaneswar attracts lakhs of students, professionals and migrant workers every year, but the city’s rental market has struggled to keep pace with growing demand. Affordable rental housing could offer a practical solution for residents who are unable to buy homes but need secure and reasonably priced accommodation.
If implemented successfully, the scheme could ease pressure on the city’s rental market and make housing more accessible for thousands of low and middle-income families. However, its real impact will depend on how quickly the government finalises the policy and rolls out the project.
