Bhubaneswar, 02 April (H.S.): In a major push to strengthen grassroots childcare infrastructure, 1,889 newly constructed Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) were virtually inaugurated across 30 districts of Odisha by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Wednesday.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Women & Child Development conference hall in the presence of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.

Addressing the gathering, Parida reiterated the government’s commitment to developing quality childcare facilities, stating that the vision is to build “Sundar, Sakhyam, Sudrudha Anganwadi.” She also interacted virtually with district administrations from Balasore, Ganjam, Cuttack, Angul, Deogarh and other regions, reviewing the progress of Anganwadi infrastructure to ensure timely completion and effective implementation.

Speaking on the occasion, Naik praised the efforts of the Women & Child Development Department, highlighting the accelerated pace of development under Parida’s leadership. He emphasized that children enrolled in Anganwadi centres today will play a crucial role in shaping a developed Odisha by 2036.

Officials said the initiative was made possible through coordinated efforts between the Women & Child Development Department and the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, ensuring better infrastructure and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the department, Mrinalini Darswal, along with senior officials from both departments, was present during the programme. District Collectors, Chief Development Officers, District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs), Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), and other officials from all 30 districts participated in the event through virtual mode.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda