Odisha Govt Hikes Uniform and Footwear Support for Anganwadi Children

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has increased financial assistance for uniforms, shoes and sweaters for children attending Anganwadi centres under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana, aiming to improve the quality of clothing provided to pre-schoolers across the state.

As per the revised norms, the cost allocated for boys’ uniforms has been raised from ₹100 to ₹175, while the assistance for girls’ uniforms has been increased from ₹150 to ₹225. In addition, the provision for shoes has been enhanced from ₹100 to ₹150, and the amount for sweaters has gone up from ₹150 to ₹200.

Officials said the revision takes into account the rising cost of fabric, stitching charges and transportation, ensuring that better-quality materials can be supplied to children enrolled in Anganwadi centres.

The new rates will come into effect from the financial year 2026–27 and are expected to benefit more than 14.76 lakh pre-school children studying in 74,224 Anganwadi centres across Odisha.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that the state government will bear the additional financial burden arising from the hike, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening early childhood care and education services.