Bhubaneswar, Sept 10: The Odisha government has decided to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to strengthen transparency in rural housing schemes and ensure that benefits reach genuine beneficiaries. Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik announced the move on Wednesday, stressing that AI will be used to identify irregularities and weed out ineligible recipients.

Naik stated that stern action will be taken against individuals who have managed to secure houses despite already owning pucca homes or availing assistance under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. He also noted that while cases of beneficiaries failing to construct houses after receiving funds are rare, the department is maintaining strict vigilance to prevent misuse.

The Minister further directed officials to expedite the completion of ongoing housing projects and take immediate corrective measures in cases of malpractice.

In a major announcement, Naik revealed that 50,000 new houses under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana will be handed over on September 17, to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.

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