Residents of Mantriguda village under Nandahandi block in Nabarangpur district in Odisha alleged that an administrative anomaly involving two villages with the same name left them deprived of government housing benefits for years.

According to villagers, while another village named Mantriguda under Nabarangpur block has received benefits under various welfare schemes, Mantriguda under Nandahandi block remained largely excluded. 

The village is located barely one kilometre from the block headquarters, yet many residents continue to live in thatched, tin-roofed and asbestos-roof houses.

With a population of around 500 people, most of whom work as daily wage labourers, villagers claim that a permanent house under government housing schemes remains out of reach.

Local resident Sarojini Harijan expressed frustration over the situation.

“Even after 30 years, we still do not have a house. The government is not doing anything for poor people like us. Our entire village is suffering,” she said.

Housing Allocations Went Elsewhere

Residents allege that whenever housing targets were allotted to Nandahandi block, the benefits were mistakenly extended to the other Mantriguda village under Nabarangpur block because of the similarity in names.

As a result, villagers claim that not a single permanent house was provided under government schemes over the past two decades despite the village’s proximity to the block headquarters.

Ward member Udhaba Bhatra said the village had been left out of major housing programmes.

“There are no houses here under Indira Awas Yojana, and the same situation exists with Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Whatever housing was allotted to us was given to another village. We informed the Collector and the BDO. The BDO assured us that a road would be built within eight days, but even after eight years, nothing has been done,” he alleged.

Administration Assures Priority In Future

Responding to the allegations, Nandahandi Block Development Officer (BDO) Khirod Chandra Sahu said a detailed survey had already been conducted in the village.

“When the PMAY survey was conducted, we prioritised this village. We even started our awareness campaign from there. My team and I visited every household and completed the survey. During the next PMAY allotment, we will ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out,” he said.

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The administration assured that Mantriguda under Nandahandi block will be given priority whenever fresh housing allocations are made under government schemes.