Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots childcare infrastructure, 1,889 newly constructed Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across 30 districts of Odisha were inaugurated on Thursday.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida virtually inaugurated the new AWCs in presence of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik at an event held in Bhubaneswar.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM reiterated the government’s vision for quality and inclusive infrastructure, stating, “Sundar, Sakhyam, Sudrudha Anganwadi is our aim.”
Parida, who holds Women and Child Development (WCD) portfolio, also interacted with district administrations of Balasore, Ganjam, Cuttack, Angul, Deogarh and other districts during the programme, and reviewed the progress of Anganwadi Centre buildings to ensure timely completion and effective implementation.
Highlighting the accelerated pace of development in the state, Minister Rabi Narayan Naik lauded the WCD Department for its efforts under the able guidance of Deputy CM Pravati Parida. He emphasised that the children currently enrolled in Anganwadi centres will play a pivotal role in shaping and building a developed Odisha by 2036.
Officials noted that the initiative has been made possible through strong convergence between the Women & Child Development Department and the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department.
The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, WCD Mrinalini Darswal was present along with other officers of both the departments in the inauguration programme. District Collectors, Chief Development Officers, DSWs, CDPOs, and other officials from all 30 districts participated through virtual mode.