In a major push toward strengthening grassroots nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood education, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida today virtually launched the State-wide ‘Angan Ka Utsav’ campaign from the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) Conference Hall.
The launch marked two significant welfare measures: a financial hike in uniform allowances for frontline workers and a pioneering digital initiative to automate Anganwadi operational costs.
Financial Boost for 1.48 Lakh Frontline Workers
Recognising the dedicated service of grassroots healthcare providers, the Deputy Chief Minister announced an increase in the annual clothing allowance for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers from Rs 1,390 to Rs 1,500.
Supported by a total budgetary outlay of Rs 22.30 crore, the scheme will directly benefit nearly 1.48 lakh personnel across the state. The cost-sharing structure comprises Rs 600 from the Central Government and ₹900 contributed directly by the Government of Odisha.
DIPTI Portal: Automating Power Bill Payments
Marking a technological milestone, the WCD Department became the first government body in Odisha to implement a digital power bill management system with the rollout of DIPTI (Direct Invoice Payment & Tracking Interface).
Developed jointly by the WCD Department and state Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), DIPTI provides direct, end-to-end digital verification, payment, and tracking of electricity bills for Anganwadi Centres.
“This initiative will relieve our Anganwadi Workers of financial and administrative burdens, saving their valuable time so they can focus entirely on delivering core health, nutrition, and developmental care to mothers and children,” noted Deputy CM Smt. Pravati Parida.
3 Days of Community-Driven Festivities
The ‘Angan Ka Utsav’ campaign will run from 27 to 29 September 2026 across all 74,224 Anganwadi Centres in Odisha, aligning with the ongoing Poshan Maah and Seva Sankalp Abhiyan. The drive expects active participation from over 37.11 lakh beneficiaries and Anganwadi Management Committee (AMC) members, alongside 13.03 lakh young children aged 3–6.
The three-day itinerary features focused daily themes:
-
Day 1 (27 Sept): Nutrition & Food Competitions — Showcasing traditional ‘Poshan Pitha’ recipes and hosting cooking contests using locally sourced ingredients, with special participation from fathers.
-
Day 2 (28 Sept): Child-Centric Learning & Fun — Recreational games, storytelling sessions, and exposure to early learning materials like Ama Kunipila and Mo Bikash Patra. Children will be served lassi, fresh local fruits, and nutritious millet cookies.
-
Day 3 (29 Sept): Awareness & Welfare Convergence — Discussions on major welfare initiatives, including POSHAN, SUBHADRA, MAMATA, PM-AWAS, and ADVIKA, concluding with a healthy ‘Tiranga Thali’ meal for Anganwadi and ASHA workers.
Senior leadership present at the launch included WCD Commissioner-cum-Secretary Dr Mrinalini Darswal, WCD Director Smt. Monisha Banerjee, and TP Central Odisha Distribution Limited (TPCODL) CEO Shri Gajanan S. Kale, all of whom urged community stakeholders to actively collaborate in making the campaign a success.
