Bhubaneswar, Aug. 24: The state government passed the Odisha Apartment Ownership (Amendment) Bill today to safeguard the interest of apartment owners.

Housing and urban development minister Puspendra Singh Deo said: "The provisions of the Odisha Apartment Ownership Act, 1982, have not proved effective enough in safeguarding the interests of apartment owners and improving administration of the apartments. The amendment was brought to keep the interest of the apartment owners in an effective manner."

The new bill gives deputy collectors control over buildings constructed by any organisation or individual, and aggrieved person can appeal to the state government. Every deed of transfer will include description of the land, apartment number and statement on the purpose of the use.

The House also introduced the Odisha Underground Pipelines, Cables and Duct (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Bill the Odisha Prevention of Land and Encroachment (Amendment) Bill.