Odisha Appoints Usha Padhee as Interim Head of Real Estate Regulator ORERA

Odisha Govt Restores Functionality at ORERA with Interim Leadership

In a move aimed at restoring regulatory operations and protecting homebuyer interests, 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).

Regulator Avoids Shutdown After Retirement Exodus

The decision comes shortly after ORERA was rendered nearly non-functional due to the retirement of its last serving member. Chairperson Siddhanta Das stepped down in February, followed by interim chairperson Gopal Chandra Patnaik retiring on Saturday, and member (admin) Pradeep Biswal exiting on May 2. This series of departures had left the authority without any leadership.

Sources noted that Padhee’s appointment ensures that ORERA can continue executing essential duties, thereby preventing a complete standstill in operations.

Legal Backing for Interim Appointment

According to the government’s official order, the appointment was made under the third provision to sub-section (1) of Section 20 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The notification states that Padhee will serve as the regulatory authority until further orders are issued.

Permanent Appointments Await Final Clearance

Sources within the Housing and Urban Development Department revealed that a selection committee had finalized candidates for the regular chairperson and member roles last Thursday. The appointment file is now awaiting approval from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Public Trust in ORERA Grows

Residents and industry observers have welcomed the move. Debadutta Nayak, a resident of Patia, emphasized that ORERA has been instrumental in shielding homebuyers from fraudulent practices. He added that public trust in the regulatory body has been steadily growing.

In recent years, ORERA has played a pivotal role in overseeing project and agent registrations and enforcing transparency within Odisha’s real estate sector. The authority’s decisions have had a significant impact on safeguarding buyer rights and promoting a fair property market.

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