The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Odisha has previously come up with an impactful housing initiative known as Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme under which the Government aims to provide dignified and low-cost rental accommodation for urban migrants and the poor near the work places in Odisha State, with rental rates ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 monthly. According to this initiative, the Government will target urban migrants and urban poor belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections and Lower Income Groups (LIG) categories.
The primary goal of this initiative is to provide rental housing to all low-income citizens and migrants who do not have their own homes. All those citizens who are migrants and are eligible can simply visit the Official Website and fill out the application form online.
Objective of Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
The primary objective of the Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme is to provide low-cost and affordable rental facilities to all financially weaker migrants and low-income citizens. The main goal is to empower all the migrants and citizens belonging to the Economically Weaker Sections and Lower Income Groups by providing them with cheap and affordable rental facilities along with accommodation across Odisha, with a rental ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 monthly.
With the help of this scheme, the poor citizens will be able to manage their expenses and get a roof over their heads and a good accommodation at very low prices. This initiative is a great step taken by the Government of Odisha State in order to provide accommodation relief to all the migrants and poor citizens coming from Financially Weaker households.
Short Highlights of Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
| Name | Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme |
| Objective | To provide affordable rental homes with civic amenities to urban migrants and the poor. |
| Beneficiaries | Urban migrants, including laborers, street vendors, and industrial workers from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low-Income Groups (LIG). |
| Implementation | Managed through two models: converting vacant government housing via PPPs and allowing private/public entities to build on their own land. |
| Housing Units | Single and double-bedroom units and 4/6 bed dormitories. |
| Rental Terms | Initial rent is locally surveyed and set, with biennial increases of 8% (capped at 20% every 5 years). |
| Key Incentives | Includes income tax/GST exemptions, concessional project finance, and a single-window approval system for developers. |
| Timeline | Entities must operate the complexes for a minimum of 25 years. |
| Technology | Encourages innovative, sustainable building practices and offers a “Technology Innovation Grant”. |
Eligibility Criteria
| Beneficiaries | Urban migrants, laborers, street vendors, and other urban poor in the EWS and LIG categories. |
| Income | Annual household income up to ₹3 lakh for EWS and ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh for LIG. |
| Housing Status | Must not own a “pucca” (all-weather) house in any part of India. |
| Prioritization | Preference is given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, widows, working women, and Divyang. |
| Separate Household | An adult earning member is considered a separate household if they do not own a pucca house. |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar or other government-approved identification is mandatory. |
Documents Required
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Ratio card
- Electricity bill
- Address Proof
- Mobile Number
Benefits of Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme
- Affordable Rent: This initiative provides low-cost rental homes, freeing up income for other needs.
- Convenient Location: Under this program, the Government will provide homes in Places with housing near workplaces, reducing commute times and costs.
- Better Living Standards: Ensures dignified living with basic amenities like water, sanitation, and electricity.
- Tenancy Security: Offers regulated and secure tenancy through the Model Tenancy Act.
- Urban Access: Gives easy access to urban infrastructure, boosting overall quality of life.
Allotment Process
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Application | Beneficiaries register and apply on the official ARHC web portal. |
| Verification | Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) verify applications against income and housing status eligibility criteria. |
| Allotment | A transparent lottery is conducted if demand is higher than availability, with priority given to vulnerable groups. |
| Tenancy Agreement | Selected applicants sign a formal agreement with the managing entity detailing rent and terms. |
| Occupancy | The tenant is given possession of the unit or dormitory bed for the agreed-upon period. |
Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme Apply Online
- All those citizens who are eligible and want to apply under this scheme have to visit the Official Website of the scheme.
- Now, on the homepage, you have to click on the Odisha Affordable Rental Housing Scheme option.
- After that,t you have to click on the Apply Online option.
- Then you’ll be redirected to a new page, where you have to fill out the Application Form with all the correct details.
- Now you have to upload all the required documents to the form.
- At Last you have to recheck all the details and click on Submit button.
Contact Details
- Dial:-0674-2390633
FAQ’s
Who is the target beneficiary for the Odisha ARHC scheme?
The beneficiaries are urban migrants and the poor from the EWS and LIG categories, including laborers, vendors, and students.
What is the main objective of the scheme?
To provide dignified, affordable, and hygienic rental housing to the urban poor near their workplace.
How is the rent amount determined?
The initial rent is fixed by the local authorities based on a local survey to ensure affordability.
What is the tenure for renting a unit under this scheme?
The complexes are exclusively for rental use for a minimum of 25 years.
Are there any rent increases?
Rent can be increased biennially by 8%, with a maximum aggregate increase of 20% over five years.
What are the two implementation models of the scheme?
The two models are: converting existing vacant government housing and constructing new complexes through Public-Private Partnerships.
How can beneficiaries find available units?
Information about available units, including project and occupancy details, is displayed on a unified web portal and Urban Local Body (ULB) websites.
How are applications for units processed?
Applications are submitted online, verified by the ULB, and in case of high demand, a transparent lottery system is used for allotment.
Is there any preference during allotment?
Preference is given to vulnerable groups, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Divyang, widows, and working women.
Are commercial activities allowed within the ARHCs?
No, the units are exclusively for residential purposes.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the complexes?
The developer or managing entity is responsible for all operations and maintenance for the 25 years.
What documents are required to apply?
A valid Aadhaar card or other government-approved identification is mandatorily required for allotment.
Ishaa Choudhary
Ishaa Choudhary is a content writer with 3 years of experience in government schemes. She writes simple and helpful articles that guide people to understand and benefit from public welfare programs.