New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha was honoured on Monday with a Special Recognition Award by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for implementing the highest number of reforms under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0.
Conferred during the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban Awards 2026 in New Delhi, the national accolade celebrates the state’s ongoing initiative to streamline urban housing procedures, enhance implementation frameworks, and accelerate the delivery of benefits to eligible residents.
“The national recognition acknowledges the state’s reform-oriented approach to urban housing, including measures aimed at improving administrative efficiency, strengthening institutional coordination and leveraging technology for transparent and effective implementation. These initiatives have contributed to a more streamlined and citizen-centric framework for the delivery of PMAY-U 2.0 benefits,” an official release said.
Reacting to the honour, Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra expressed pride in the achievement, attributing the success to the coordinated efforts of state officials, Urban Local Bodies, and field agencies. He emphasised that the primary goal extends beyond basic construction to offering safe, secure, and dignified housing through a clear and citizen-focused process.
Mahapatra reaffirmed the state would continue to focus on reforms, faster implementation and effective last-mile delivery under PMAY-U 2.0. “For us, a house is not merely a physical structure; it represents dignity, security and a better future for a family. We will continue to work with determination to ensure that every eligible beneficiary receives the benefits of the scheme in a timely and hassle-free manner,” he added.
