Need to support real estate sector in state, says Odisha Minister

Pratap Jena, Odisha Minister of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Law, Housing and Urban Development, said the Government needed to support the real estate sector in the state that has been immensely impacted during COVID times.

Addressing a virtual roundtable on COVID-19, organised by Ficci on June 19, Jena said unemployment was yet another major problem during these unprecedented times. “We have taken multiple, flexible steps to boost the real estate sector and I urge the industry to submit any suggestions or proposals to my department through Ficci,” he added.

Jena further said the state Government was aware of the problems faced by workforce involved in real estate and urban development.

Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, Vice-Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority and CEO, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited, said the State Government wants to translate industry requirements and ease problems in the city of Bhubaneswar. He said the role of 5G will be critical in developing a good and liveable smart city.

The state Government, he said, was focusing on inclusive growth and has set a target of building 50,000 affordable houses by 2024 out of which 14,000 have already been sanctioned. “We have identified the plots for the balance as well,” he added.

Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Chairperson, Ficci Odisha State Council and MD, Sambad Group, appreciated the steps taken by the state Government in managing the pandemic. She said the Ficci Odisha State Council has been actively working with the Government and is the taskforce for medical oxygen supply and vaccination drive in the state.