

BHUBANESWAR: In a major push to strengthening childcare infrastructure at grassroots-level, deputy chief minister Pravati Parida on Thursday virtually inaugurated 1,889 anganwadi centres (AWCs) across all 30 districts of the state.
Unveiling the centres in presence of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Parida asserted the state government’s commitment to build quality and inclusive childcare facilities. “Sundar, Sakhyam, Sudrudha (attractive, capable and robust) anganwadi is our aim,” she said.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Naik praised the W&CD department’s efforts and noted that children enrolled in anganwadi centres would play a crucial role in shaping a developed Odisha by 2036. He attributed the achievement to effective coordination between departments.
Parida also interacted with district administrations, including those from Balasore, Ganjam, Cuttack, Angul and Deogarh, reviewing progress and stressing timely completion of infrastructure projects.
W&CD secretary Mrinalini Darswal and senior officials were present at the event.