Odisha CM lays foundation for 471 GP offices

Bhubaneswar(19/10/2025): In a major push to strengthen rural governance and provide housing for the underprivileged in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday virtually laid the foundation stone for 471 Gram Panchayat offices across Odisha and distributed the first installment of financial aid under the Antyodaya Housing Scheme from Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. A total of 48,693 beneficiaries from 28 districts (excluding Nuapada and Kalahandi) received Rs 40,000 each as the first installment, amounting to Rs 194.77 crore in total disbursement. The Chief Minister announced that between 2024–25 and 2027–28, the government has earmarked Rs 7,550 crore for constructing 5 lakh houses under the scheme.

Beneficiaries who complete their houses within four months will get an incentive of Rs 20,000, while those finishing within six months will receive Rs 10,000. Each Gram Panchayat office, he said, will function as a One Stop Service Centre, providing all essential public services under one roof.

Every office will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh, jointly funded by the Centre and the state government. Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Nayak said the new GP buildings will strengthen the foundation of rural governance and improve service delivery in villages. The virtual event was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, officials of the Panchayati Raj Department, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local representatives from 28 districts. Highlighting his government’s commitment to people-centric administration, CM Majhi said, “Our principle is service, not rule.” He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state aims to transform every Gram Panchayat into a hub of public welfare and citizen service.