Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida informed the State Assembly today that nearly 25% of Anganwadi centers in Odisha lack dedicated infrastructure. Out of 74,224 sanctioned centers, 19,145 are currently operating from rented houses, schools, or community halls.
District-Wise Breakdown:
Balasore: Highest deficiency with 1,701 centers without buildings.
Cuttack: 1,310 centers
Mayurbhanj: 1,202 centers
Sundargarh: 1,145 centers
Ganjam: 1,120 centers
Puri: 1,048 centers
The Deputy CM, who oversees the Women and Child Development Department, assured that the government is expediting construction by streamlining coordination between the Revenue, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water departments. Funds have been sanctioned to prioritize land identification and the swift completion of new "Saksham" (capable) Anganwadi buildings to ensure a safe learning environment for children and mothers.