Deputy CM Calls for Collective Effort to Strengthen Child Welfare Services
Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida has appealed to all MLAs across Odisha to actively support the construction, timely completion and quality maintenance of Anganwadi Centres in their respective constituencies.
In a letter addressed to legislators, the Deputy Chief Minister stressed the importance of collective efforts and active participation of public representatives in strengthening women and child development initiatives across the state.
She highlighted that robust Anganwadi infrastructure plays a key role in improving grassroots-level services related to child care, nutrition, early childhood education and women’s welfare.
Focus on Women’s Participation in Development Works
Pravati Parida also emphasized the need to ensure greater participation of women in developmental activities being carried out at the constituency level.
According to the Deputy Chief Minister, involving women in local development initiatives would further strengthen community engagement and improve implementation of welfare programmes.
She urged MLAs to closely monitor ongoing infrastructure projects and ensure that Anganwadi centres are completed on time while maintaining proper construction quality standards.
Thousands of New Anganwadi Centres Inaugurated
The Women & Child Development Department informed that significant progress has already been achieved under the Anganwadi infrastructure strengthening programme in Odisha.
During the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, a total of 3,293 new Anganwadi Centre buildings were inaugurated and handed over across the state.
Officials stated that the expansion of modern Anganwadi infrastructure is aimed at improving service delivery for women and children, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Over 12,000 Centres Converted into Saksham Anganwadis
Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, around 12,140 Anganwadi Centres in Odisha have been upgraded into Saksham Anganwadis.
These upgraded centres are designed to provide enhanced nutrition services, early childhood education, health monitoring and improved facilities for mothers and children.
The government believes that strengthening Anganwadi infrastructure will play a major role in improving child development indicators and women’s welfare outcomes across Odisha.