Odisha Govt to Build 10,900 Anganwadi Centres as 20,150 Still Lack Permanent Buildings

During the ongoing winter session, the Odisha Assembly drew attention to a pressing issue: more than 20,150 Anganwadi centres across the state still lack permanent buildings.

Out of the total 74,224 centres, only 54,074 currently operate in their own facilities, leaving thousands dependent on temporary arrangements such as school premises, community halls, and rented houses.

Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida informed lawmakers that the government has already converted 10,416 mini Anganwadi centres into full centres.

She assured that steps are being taken to provide permanent buildings for all centres, with the Panchayati Raj Department tasked to purchase land wherever space is unavailable.

The minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots facilities for children and women.

So far, 12,144 centres have been upgraded into Saksham Anganwadi Centres, which deliver enhanced services. In the upcoming 2024–25 financial year, another 5,056 centres will be converted.

To accelerate infrastructure development, the supplementary budget has earmarked funds for the construction of 10,900 new Anganwadi buildings, marking a significant step toward improving child and women welfare services in Odisha.