Runu Pradhan, a tailor from Ward No. 9 of Phulabani Municipality, has turned a difficult chapter of her life into a story of courage and resilience. A widow and mother of two daughters, Runu became the sole breadwinner of her family after the death of her husband.
She supported her daughters and their education through tailoring while dreaming of a secure home for her family. Her dream began taking shape in 2025 when she applied for assistance under PMAY-U 2.0.
Runu received the work order on June 12, 2025, and completed construction of her house in just three months and 10 days. Her early completion also made her eligible for the state’s Early Completion Incentive.
However, supervising construction meant spending less time at her sewing machine, resulting in a loss of daily income. At this crucial stage, the PMAY-U BANDHU initiative came to her aid.
In 2026, Runu received ₹25,000 as compensation for wage loss, helping ease the financial pressure caused by the construction process.
Runu later shared her experience with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the State-Level Local Self-Government Day 2026. The Chief Minister enquired about her housing assistance, other government benefits and her experience with the Subhadra Yojana.
Today, Runu and her daughters have a safe and dignified home. Her story highlights how housing and livelihood support can help vulnerable families overcome challenges and build a more secure future.