Anganwadi Infrastructure: 20,150 Centres Still Without Own Buildings in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Friday informed the Assembly that out of the State’s 74,224 anganwadi centres, 54,740 currently operate from their own buildings, while 20,150 centres still lack dedicated structures.

Replying to BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra during the Winter Session, Parida said construction work is underway for 7,389 anganwadi centres. She added that 4,574 centres are functioning from school premises, 3,890 from rented spaces and 10,469 from community centres.

The Deputy Chief Minister further stated that 10,416 mini anganwadi centres have been merged with main centres to streamline operations and ensure optimal use of resources.

Highlighting the government’s priority on infrastructure, Parida said the current supplementary budget has allocated funds for 10,900 new anganwadi buildings. The Women and Child Development Department is also coordinating with other departments to speed up construction work.

Parida noted that construction costs per unit—previously ₹7 lakh—have risen to ₹12 lakh and now ₹15 lakh, but the department will independently fund the projects. She added that support will be sought from the Panchayati Raj Department for land acquisition wherever needed.

“We are closely monitoring all ongoing works through the ‘AWESOME’ app and are committed to ensuring that every anganwadi centre in the State eventually gets its own dedicated building,” she assured.