CM Distributes Land Rights To Empower Urban Slum Dwellers

Berhampur: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday launched the ambitious slum-titling project to accord land rights to urban slum dwellers in the state.

Attending the state-level land rights distribution ceremony at Chhattrapur Stadium in Ganjam district, the Chief Minister distributed pattas (land certificates) among 2,000 slum dwellers and unveiled the Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission.

Speaking on the occasion, Naveen said, “Today, Odisha has created a history and emerged as a model state for other states in according land rights to urban slum dwellers. Keeping in view the interests of poor slum dwellers, I have taken such a decision. This will empower the poor and help them lead a dignified life.”

As many as 10 lakh people will benefit from this scheme, he added.

In his address, Tata Trusts chairman Ratan N Tata said, “The state of Odisha is undertaking a special initiative of giving entitlements to over one million slum dwellers, who live in uncertainty. I welcome such historic step of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his government for this very far reaching important scheme. I wish the CM and government of Odisha all best success in making the memorable scheme a reality”.

Among others, British architect Norman Robert Foster, his wife, housing and urban development minister Niranjan Pujari, food supplies minister Surya Narayan Patro and senior government officials were present.

The state government had signed an MoU with Tata Trusts to undertake field survey for providing land rights to slum dwellers in March this year. As a first step in this regard, the government has identified about 2.5 lakh urban slum dwellers with the help of Tata Trusts.