New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha has received a Special Recognition Award from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for achieving the highest number of reforms under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0.

The award was presented in New Delhi on Monday as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban Awards 2026, recognising the State’s efforts to simplify urban housing processes, strengthen implementation mechanisms and improve the delivery of housing benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

The recognition highlights Odisha’s reform-oriented approach to urban housing, including measures focused on improving administrative efficiency, strengthening coordination among institutions and using technology to ensure transparent and effective implementation.

These reforms have helped create a more streamlined and citizen-centric framework for delivering PMAY-U 2.0 benefits, according to the State government.

Welcoming the recognition, Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the award reflected the collective efforts of government officers, Urban Local Bodies and implementing agencies.

“Our objective is not merely to construct houses, but to ensure that every eligible urban family gets a safe, secure and dignified home through a transparent and citizen-centric system,” Mahapatra said.

He said 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.

The Special Recognition Award marks another milestone in Odisha’s efforts to strengthen reform-driven and citizen-centric urban governance while advancing the national objective of Housing for All.