Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: More than 21,000 Anganwadi centres across Odisha are set for infrastructure improvements following approvals from the Centre, in a move aimed at providing better facilities for children and families.
The upgrade programme will focus on essential facilities such as new buildings, drinking water, toilets and improved learning infrastructure.
Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur informed Parliament that 1,639 Anganwadi centres will be constructed in Odisha under the MGNREGS convergence programme, with Rs 9.66 crore allocated for the work.
Another 89 centres have been sanctioned under PM JANMAN for tribal communities, with Rs 10.68 crore earmarked for their development.
Drinking water facilities have been approved for 6,965 centres, with more than Rs 17.82 crore allocated. Toilet facilities will be added to 16,575 centres, with Rs 24.59 crore sanctioned.
The Centre has also approved the upgradation of 12,140 Anganwadi centres into Saksham Anganwadis under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, with Rs 72.84 crore allocated.
These upgraded centres will include facilities such as LED screens, water filtration systems, Poshan Vatika, learning materials and BALA paintings to create a more child-friendly environment.
The initiative is expected to improve basic services and create better spaces for early childhood education, nutrition and child development across Odisha.