Bhubaneswar Faces Housing Scheme Exclusion Due to Administrative Delay
The Housing and Urban Development Department has issued a fresh reminder to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority. The department demands immediate submission of certified revenue village lists required under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 scheme. This marks the second official communication pushing BDA to complete this critical task.
Persistent Non-Compliance Despite Clear Instructions
Joint Secretary Satish Chandra Singh noted the authority's continued failure to comply with earlier directives. The department initially instructed BDA on February 28, 2025, to provide village lists certified by the vice-chairman in the prescribed format. Nearly one year later, BDA still has not submitted the required documentation.
The department now insists BDA treat this matter as an urgent priority. Officials emphasize that further delays directly impact Bhubaneswar's eligibility for new housing sanctions under the central scheme.
Thousands of Families Risk Losing Housing Benefits
Due to BDA's inaction, thousands of families living in Bhubaneswar's fringe revenue villages face potential exclusion from PMAY-U 2.0 benefits. These residents remain outside the scheme's purview while other urban local bodies across Odisha move forward with housing approvals.
The updated revenue village list serves as a mandatory requirement for inclusion in the unified PMAY-U 2.0 portal. This portal determines eligibility for central assistance, making timely submission absolutely critical for beneficiary families.
Bhubaneswar Misses Out on Latest Housing Approvals
An urban development department official confirmed the delay has already cost Bhubaneswar a place in Friday's newly-released list of ULBs. The list identified urban local bodies proposed for housing projects under PMAY-U 2.0. Despite being Odisha's largest urban center, Bhubaneswar did not appear on this important list.
The sole reason for this exclusion remains BDA's failure to furnish required village details. Additional Commissioner Manoj Kumar Swain explained the current status, saying the matter remains pending with the planning section. He indicated that once draft lists are prepared, they will undergo scrutiny at the estate level before government consideration.
Experts Criticize Administrative Laxity
Real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan expressed strong concern about the situation. He stated that the delay reflects poorly on BDA, especially considering PMAY-U 2.0's importance as a central scheme valid until 2030.
"Losing a full year due to administrative delay shows a lack of seriousness," Pradhan remarked. He highlighted how the first phase of PMAY-U, which concluded in December 2025, brought significant gains to Bhubaneswar through multiple affordable housing projects.
Pradhan emphasized the need for immediate action, noting that new proposals now fall under PMAY-U 2.0. "The government must ensure Bhubaneswar does not miss out at this early stage. Timely submission of revenue village data is critical," he added.
Other ULBs Progress While Bhubaneswar Lags
On Friday, the Odisha Urban Housing Mission secured approval for 75 new housing projects across 72 urban local bodies. These approvals fall under the Beneficiary Led Construction vertical of PMAY-U 2.0, paving the way for construction of 6,871 dwelling units.
The urban development department originally shared the prescribed proforma with BDA last year. Officials directed the authority to complete the exercise within seven days, yet the task remains incomplete nearly twelve months later.
This administrative delay now threatens to deprive Bhubaneswar residents of housing benefits available to citizens in other Odisha cities. With PMAY-U 2.0 offering substantial central assistance, the stakes for timely compliance could not be higher for the state capital.
