In a significant push to bolster early childhood care and education, Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday virtually inaugurated 491 newly constructed Anganwadi centres across the state. The event marks a continued commitment to strengthening the foundational support system for children and women.
Building an Empowered Anganwadi System
Pravati Parida, who also holds the portfolio for Women and Child Development, emphasized the critical need for a robust and empowered Anganwadi framework to secure a better future for the state's children and women. She highlighted that the department is prioritizing essential infrastructure at these centres to ensure a holistic environment for development.
The focus is on providing drinking water facilities, toilets, dedicated playing areas for children, and nutrigardens, among other amenities. This initiative is part of a larger plan to construct thousands of new centres, with Parida recently informing the state assembly that the government is planning to build 6,264 new Anganwadi centres.
Phased Expansion for Statewide Reach
The drive to strengthen the Anganwadi system has been executed in phases. With Wednesday's inauguration, the total number of centres set up in the two completed phases has reached 1,404. This follows the inauguration of 913 centres back in September 2023.
The distribution of the newly opened centres saw Ganjam district receiving the highest number at 111, followed by Balasore with 63 and Bargarh with 36 centres. This geographic spread ensures the benefits of the program reach various communities.
Integral to Odisha's Development Vision
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, who was also present at the virtual event, underscored the importance of Anganwadi centres. He stated that they are an integral part of the state's 'Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha' (Developed Village, Developed Odisha) vision.
Minister Naik also laid particular emphasis on the role these centres play in the pre-school education of children, forming the crucial first step in their formal learning journey. The concerted effort by multiple departments highlights the government's integrated approach to social development through these grassroots institutions.
