The Odisha government has initiated the process to appoint a new Member (Administration) to the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA), more than two months after the position became vacant. The appointment is expected to strengthen the functioning of the state’s real estate regulator, which is responsible for overseeing project registrations, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA).
The vacancy arose following the premature exit of the previous member, who had served for only about a year. The development comes at a time when the chairperson’s post at the Odisha Real Estate Appellate Tribunal (OREAT) has also remained vacant since May. Industry stakeholders have expressed concern that prolonged vacancies in these key positions could affect the pace of hearings and delay the resolution of disputes involving homebuyers, developers, and real estate projects.
ORERA operates through a three-member bench, with the Member (Administration) playing an important role in hearing cases related to project registrations, consumer complaints, regulatory compliance, and developer obligations. The absence of a full bench has raised concerns about the regulator’s ability to efficiently manage the increasing volume of cases and applications.
According to official sources, the state government has initiated the selection process to fill the vacant post and restore the authority to its full strength. The move is expected to improve the efficiency of the regulatory body as it continues to handle a growing number of complaints from homebuyers and registration requests from developers across Odisha.
Legal experts have emphasized the importance of timely appointments to ensure uninterrupted functioning of both ORERA and OREAT. They note that these institutions play a significant role in safeguarding consumer interests, promoting transparency, and maintaining confidence in the real estate sector.
Homebuyer representatives have also highlighted the need to fill the vacancies without delay, stating that thousands of consumers depend on ORERA and OREAT for the resolution of disputes related to housing projects. Delays in appointments, they argue, can slow down hearings and prolong uncertainty for affected buyers.
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