The Odisha State Government has started the process of appointing a new chairperson for the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) following the premature resignation of its former chairperson, Siddhanta Das, who stepped down on February 28, 2025.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has formally requested the Principal Secretary of the Law Department to attend the first selection committee meeting scheduled for March 11. This meeting, chaired by Justice M S Sahoo, a judge of the Orissa High Court, will finalize the appointment process for the ORERA chairperson and members.
ORERA’s Temporary Inactivity After Chairperson’s Resignation
The resignation of Siddhanta Das has significantly impacted ORERA’s functioning, as the absence of a chairperson has rendered the two-member bench unable to conduct hearings. This has caused inconvenience for homebuyers and developers awaiting regulatory decisions.
According to Section 21 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), whenever vacancies for the chairperson or members arise, the government is required to initiate a reference to the selection committee to fill these positions.
Concerns and Reactions from the Real Estate Sector
Real estate experts believe that the government should have acted sooner to prevent ORERA from becoming non-functional. Bimalendu Pradhan, a leading real estate consultant, stated:
“The government was well aware of the chairperson’s exit and should have expedited the appointment process earlier. However, better late than never. We hope the new chairperson is appointed quickly to restore normalcy.”
Similarly, city-based realtor Sangram Nayak emphasized the importance of ORERA in ensuring transparency and fairness in the Odisha real estate sector. He said:
“Homebuyers and realtors trust ORERA. Its proper functioning is essential for real estate regulation in Odisha, and it should resume hearings at the earliest.”
ORERA’s Leadership and Future Prospects
Once a new chairperson is appointed, ORERA will welcome its third chairperson since its establishment in 2016-17. The first chairperson was Amiya Mohapatra, followed by Siddhanta Das.
The eligibility criteria for the ORERA chairperson include:
- A minimum of 20 years of experience in real estate, urban development, or housing.
- A five-year tenure, with the option to resign due to exigent circumstances.
Conclusion
The appointment of a new ORERA chairperson is a critical step toward restoring the authority’s operations and ensuring that homebuyers and developers receive timely resolutions to their concerns. With the selection committee set to finalize the appointment modalities soon, the real estate sector in Odisha is optimistic about a swift appointment and the revival of ORERA’s regulatory functions.