Access to safe and secure housing is a fundamental right and an essential aspect of human development. Recognizing the need to uplift the living conditions of the rural poor in Odisha, the state government has launched the Mo Ghara (My Home) scheme. This credit-linked housing scheme aims to convert kutcha houses into pucca ones, providing improved living conditions and opportunities for families that were previously excluded from similar initiatives.

The Need for Mo Ghara Scheme:
  1. Inadequate housing conditions: Many rural families in Odisha reside in kutcha houses, which are made of temporary and unreliable materials. These houses are susceptible to natural disasters, lack basic amenities, and fail to provide a safe and dignified living environment.
  2. Limited accessibility to existing schemes: Some families were unable to benefit from the existing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme due to strict eligibility criteria or insufficient allocation. The Mo Ghara scheme addresses this gap and ensures inclusivity by reaching out to these marginalized households.
Financial Implications and Funding:
  1. State budget allocation: The Mo Ghara scheme will be fully funded from the state budget, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of its rural population.
  2. Financial implication: Over a period of two years, the scheme is estimated to have a financial implication of approximately Rs 2,150 crore. This substantial investment highlights the government’s dedication to uplifting the rural poor and transforming their housing conditions.
Features and Benefits of Mo Ghara Scheme:
  1. Housing loan provision: Under the Mo Ghara scheme, eligible beneficiaries can avail housing loans of up to Rs 3 lakh. This credit facility empowers families to upgrade their kutcha houses into pucca ones, providing them with a more secure and durable living space.
  2. Repayment flexibility: The housing loans can be repaid in easy installments over a period of 10 years. This extended repayment period ensures that the burden of repayment is manageable for the beneficiaries, promoting financial inclusivity and sustainability.
  3. Capital subsidy and reduced EMIs: The scheme provides a capital subsidy that is released to the loan accounts of the beneficiaries. This subsidy results in a significant reduction in Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs), making the repayment process more affordable for the beneficiaries.
  4. Eligibility criteria: To ensure the scheme benefits those in need, eligibility criteria have been set. Families living in kutcha houses or pucca houses with only one room and a concrete roof are eligible for the scheme. However, families owning four-wheelers, having a member in government service, or possessing irrigated land of five acres or more will not be eligible for the housing loan.
Transforming Lives and Empowering Rural Communities:
  1. Improved living conditions: The Mo Ghara scheme plays a crucial role in transforming the lives of rural families by providing them with safe and secure housing. Pucca houses offer protection against natural calamities, enhance sanitation facilities, and contribute to overall well-being.
  2. Socio-economic empowerment: By upgrading their housing, rural families gain a sense of pride and dignity. Improved housing conditions create a conducive environment for personal and economic growth, enabling families to focus on education, livelihoods, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
  3. Sustainable development: The scheme’s focus on converting kutcha houses into pucca ones aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By ensuring safe and sustainable housing, the Mo Ghara scheme contributes to building resilient communities and fostering inclusive development in rural Odisha.

Important Points:

  • 🏡 Housing transformation: Scheme aims to convert kutcha houses into pucca ones, providing improved living conditions for rural poor.
  • 🤝 Inclusivity: Covers families left out of PMAY-G scheme due to eligibility criteria or insufficient allocation.
  • 💰 Financial implications: State budget funds the scheme with an estimated cost of Rs 2,150 crore over two years.
  • 💸 Credit-linked housing loan: Beneficiaries can avail housing loans up to Rs 3 lakh, repayable in 10 years.
  • 🏠 Repayment flexibility: Easy installments make loan repayment manageable for beneficiaries.
  • 💲 Reduced EMIs: Capital subsidy reduces EMIs, making repayment more affordable.
  • 📝 Eligibility criteria: Families living in kutcha houses or one-room pucca houses with concrete roofs are eligible.
  • ❌ Ineligibility factors: Families with four-wheelers, government service members, or irrigated land of five acres or more are not eligible.
  • 🌱 Improved living conditions: Pucca houses provide safety, durability, and access to basic amenities.
  • 👥 Socio-economic empowerment: Upgraded housing boosts pride, dignity, and enables education and livelihood opportunities.
  • 🌍 Sustainable development: Aligns with UN SDG Goal 11 by creating resilient and inclusive rural communities.
Why In News

Odisha government takes a commendable step towards addressing rural housing needs with the launch of Mo Ghara (My Home), an innovative credit-linked housing scheme aimed at uplifting the impoverished communities in the state. This scheme promises to provide secure and affordable housing solutions, empowering the rural poor to lead a better quality of life and fostering inclusive development across Odisha.

MCQs about Mo Ghara

  1. How does the Mo Ghara scheme aim to improve the living conditions of the rural poor in Odisha?
    A. By providing financial assistance for purchasing vehicles.
    B. By improving education facilities in rural areas.
    C. By transforming kutcha houses into pucca ones.
    D. By promoting tourism in the state.
    Correct Answer: C. By transforming kutcha houses into pucca ones.
    Explanation: The Mo Ghara scheme aims to convert kutcha houses into pucca ones, thereby improving the living conditions of the rural poor in Odisha.
  2. Who is eligible to receive housing loans under the Mo Ghara scheme?
    A. Families with government employees.
    B. Families owning large tracts of land.
    C. Families living in kutcha houses or one-room pucca houses with concrete roofs.
    D. Families with higher income levels.
    Correct Answer: C. Families living in kutcha houses or one-room pucca houses with concrete roofs.
    Explanation: Families living in kutcha houses or one-room pucca houses with concrete roofs are eligible to receive housing loans under the Mo Ghara scheme.
  3. What is the repayment period for the housing loans provided under the Mo Ghara scheme?
    A. 5 years.
    B. 10 years.
    C. 15 years.
    D. 20 years.
    Correct Answer: B. 10 years.
    Explanation: Beneficiaries of the Mo Ghara scheme can repay the housing loans in easy installments over a period of 10 years.
  4. What does the capital subsidy released to the loan accounts of beneficiaries result in?
    A. Increased Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs).
    B. Reduced loan repayment period.
    C. Higher interest rates.
    D. Significant reduction in EMIs.
    Correct Answer: D. Significant reduction in EMIs.
    Explanation: The capital subsidy provided to the loan accounts of beneficiaries results in a significant reduction in Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs), making the repayment process more affordable.

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