Bhubaneswar: Shri Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, conducted a ‘Spot Assessment’ field visit to slum settlements in the Capital City today, engaging directly with residents and beneficiaries of key government schemes. The visit aimed to evaluate the on-the-ground impact of initiatives and gather community feedback for inclusive urban development.
Shri Kapoor was accompanied by Smt. Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Government of Odisha. The delegation visited Godam Sahi, Ward No. 49, where they met with community members who shared their positive experiences with schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and PM SVANidhi. The residents highlighted how the Odisha government’s SAHAJOG initiative has been instrumental in facilitating access to these and other entitlements, leading to significant improvements in their lives.
In a notable demonstration of citizen-driven planning, the slum residents presented a prototype habitat design they had co-created. This design reflected their collective aspiration for a well-planned, inclusive, and resilient neighborhood, showcasing their readiness to transition from an informal settlement to a sustainable living space.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tarun Kapoor praised the community’s proactive involvement, stating, “The voices of the people here reflect the true spirit of our national vision for inclusive and resilient urban development. It is encouraging to see communities not only benefiting from schemes like PMAY and PM SVANidhi but also actively contributing ideas for their future habitats.”
Smt. Usha Padhee underscored the state’s commitment to citizen-centric governance, adding, “The SAHAJOG initiative is about bringing people to the centre of planning and governance. Today’s presentation by the residents of Godam Sahi is a testimony to the fact that when communities are empowered, they become key partners in shaping sustainable urban futures.”
The visit highlighted a strong synergy between community participation, state leadership, and national urban development goals. Also present during the visit were VC BDA Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner BMC Shri Chanchal Rana, Addl Secretary Shri Suvananda Mohapatra, Shri S. Routray, Shri Rabindra Sahoo, and other concerned officers. Sources