Bhubaneswar: In a significant step toward urban housing reform, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) allotted permanent homes to 167 eligible beneficiaries through a lottery system.
The initiative, conducted at the Buddha Vihar Housing Project in Chandrasekharpur on Friday, marks a turning point for families who have long endured the hardships of slum life. The keys were distributed in a grand ceremony attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra and BMC Mayor Sulochana Das.
The transparent lottery process ensured fair distribution of housing units among residents from more than 10 slums across Bhubaneswar. Each selected beneficiary was allotted a permanent home, bringing long-awaited stability and dignity to families who previously lived in makeshift shelters.
Officials emphasized that the lottery was designed to eliminate bias and guarantee equal opportunity for all eligible applicants. The event was attended by civic authorities, community representatives, and beneficiaries, many of whom expressed joy and relief at finally securing a safe and permanent residence.
The Buddha Vihar Housing Project in Chandrasekharpur is part of the city’s broader mission to provide affordable housing under state and central government schemes. Equipped with basic amenities, the project aims to improve living standards and integrate slum dwellers into mainstream urban society. The housing units are designed to offer security, sanitation, and access to essential services, addressing long-standing issues faced by slum residents such as overcrowding, poor hygiene, and lack of infrastructure.
For many families, the allotment represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the BMC, noting that the move would not only provide shelter but also open doors to better education, health, and livelihood opportunities.
