Odisha Inaugurates 913 Anganwadi Centers to Strengthen Child Welfare Services
Bhubaneswar, September 16, 2025 — In a landmark move to strengthen early childhood care and development, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida inaugurated 913 newly constructed Anganwadi centres across the state.
This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing grassroots-level child welfare infrastructure.
The centres span nearly every district, with major allocations in Kalahandi (90), Balasore (77), Khordha (61), and Puri (68), among others.
Sundargarh alone saw the inauguration of 17 new centres, reflecting the government’s commitment to equitable regional development.
“These centres will serve as pillars of support for mothers and children, ensuring access to nutrition, education, and health services,” said Parida during the inauguration ceremony.
The Anganwadi program, a cornerstone of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), plays a vital role in combating malnutrition and promoting early learning.
With this expansion, Odisha aims to improve service delivery and outreach in rural and underserved areas.
The move has been widely welcomed by educators, health workers, and community leaders, who see it as a timely investment in the state’s future.
