Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Distributes Land Ownership Certificates to 65,000 Slum Dwellers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday distributed land ownership certificates to 65,000 underprivileged families in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Raurkela. This makes Odisha the first state in India to grant land rights to slum dwellers.

During the ceremony, Patnaik announced financial aid for housing construction and revealed that the second phase of certificates would roll out next October. He expressed the commitment to extend this initiative until all impoverished families in these cities receive land rights.

Launched in 2018, the Jaga Mission program aims to grant land rights to urban slum-dwelling families. Over 240,000 families across various cities have already received these rights, with 40,000 also receiving housing assistance. The initiative strives to transform these slums into Biju Model Colonies, complete with essential amenities.

Patnaik emphasized that the city isn’t solely for the affluent and acknowledged the contributions of the poor to urban development. He praised the Jaga Mission for providing the underprivileged with a newfound identity and respect, highlighting their priority in urban areas.

The Chief Minister credited the Jaga Mission with drawing global attention and heralding a new urban transformation era. He attributed the success to the 5T initiative, expediting people’s quality of life improvements.

At the event, Patnaik inaugurated 1010 Biju Model Colonies and recognized cities like Cuttack, Khordha, Koraput, and Jajpur for outstanding contributions. In cases where legal constraints prevent slum-dwellers from staying in their original locations, new colonies are established nearby with consent.

Dhenkanal district set a precedent by becoming the first in the country to grant land rights to slum dwellers under the Forest Rights Act.

Odisha’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Usha Devi, praised the Chief Minister’s vision for bringing smiles to the faces of the state’s poor.

The Managing Director of Tata Steel Foundation expressed the company’s commitment to supporting public welfare initiatives, applauding their collaboration with the government in this novel endeavour.