In a significant relief for homebuyers and real estate stakeholders, the Odisha government has appointed Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, as the interim Chairperson of the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA). This comes just two days after the authority was rendered virtually defunct with the retirement of its last serving member.
The appointment, made under the third provision to sub-section (1) of Section 20 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, allows ORERA to continue performing basic regulatory functions until a full-time chairperson and members are appointed.
Why the Appointment Was Necessary
The need for immediate intervention arose after the in-charge chairperson Gopal Chandra Patnaik retired on Saturday, following the earlier retirement of member (admin) Pradeep Biswal on May 2, and the departure of full-time Chairperson Siddhanta Das in February. With no members left, the authority was on the verge of a complete standstill, raising concerns among thousands of homebuyers and real estate professionals who depend on ORERA for dispute resolution and project regulation.
“ORERA has been playing a crucial role in protecting the homebuyer’s interest. People have built trust in the authority over the years,” said Debadutta Nayak, a resident of Patia.
Selection of Permanent Members Underway
In a positive development, sources close to the Housing and Urban Development Department told that the selection committee finalized names for a regular chairperson and members last week. The file is currently awaiting clearance from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The swift interim appointment ensures that ORERA can continue its work — such as registration of real estate projects and agents, handling consumer complaints, and overseeing compliance — until the permanent positions are officially filled.
ORERA’s Importance in Odisha’s Real Estate Sector
Established under the RERA Act, 2016, ORERA is a vital body that regulates the real estate market in Odisha. It is responsible for:
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Registration of real estate projects and agents
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Ensuring transparency and accountability among developers
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Protecting homebuyers from fraud
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Adjudicating disputes and grievances
In the past year alone, ORERA has been instrumental in resolving several critical cases, enhancing buyer protection, and promoting confidence in Odisha’s real estate market.
