In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots childcare infrastructure, 1,889 newly constructed Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across 30 districts of Odisha were inaugurated virtually by the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister to Women & Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism, Pravati Parida, in presence of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik at the WCD Conference hall, today.
Addressing the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the government’s vision for quality and inclusive infrastructure, stating, “Sundar, Sakhyam, Sudrudha Anganwadi is our aim.” She further 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 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 Dr. Mrinalini Darswal, was present along with other officers of both the deparmnets in the inauguration programme. District Collectors, Chief Development Officers, DSWs, CDPOs, and other officials from all 30 districts participated through virtual mode.
