Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development, Shrimati Pravati Parida, has taken a significant step toward transforming the state’s maternal and childcare landscape by reaching out to all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). In a formal letter, she called for the active participation of legislators in overseeing the construction and development of Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) within their respective constituencies.
The Minister emphasized that elected representatives must play a proactive role in ensuring that these projects are completed with high quality and within stipulated timelines. She specifically urged for the inclusion of women in the implementation and monitoring phases of these works, highlighting that their involvement is key to the success of grassroots welfare initiatives.
The state government has made substantial progress in strengthening its child development infrastructure. Between the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, a total of 3,293 new Anganwadi buildings have been inaugurated and handed over for public use. Furthermore, under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, 12,140 existing centers across Odisha have been successfully upgraded to “Saksham Anganwadis,” featuring improved facilities to provide better nutrition, early childhood education, and health services.
By involving local legislators and encouraging women’s participation, the government aims to ensure that the development process remains transparent, timely, and impactful for the thousands of children and mothers who rely on these vital centers.