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Over 21,000 Anganwadi Centres in Odisha Lack Own Buildings, 31,000 Face Power Deficiency: Deputy CM Pravati Parida
In a shocking revelation, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister, Pravati Parida, has highlighted significant infrastructure and utility shortcomings across the state’s Anganwadi centres. During a recent address, Parida stated that more than 21,000 Anganwadi centres in Odisha are operating without their own buildings, and over 31,000 centres do not have a stable power supply, severely hindering their capacity to provide essential services.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who holds the Women and Child Development portfolio, expressed deep concern about the lack of proper infrastructure for these centres, which are crucial for the early childhood education, nutrition, and healthcare services in rural and remote areas of the state. Anganwadi centres, which are at the forefront of India’s efforts to combat child malnutrition and ensure that young children receive early education, are in dire need of improvement in Odisha, particularly in terms of basic amenities.
According to Parida, the absence of dedicated buildings for the centres means that many are forced to operate out of temporary shelters, such as rented buildings or even under the open sky, especially in rural areas. This compromises not only the safety and security of children but also the quality of services that Anganwadis can offer. The lack of stable, purpose-built infrastructure prevents the centres from fully fulfilling their role as critical hubs for child development and family welfare.
The issue of electricity, too, is widespread. Parida revealed that more than 31,000 Anganwadi centres across Odisha face regular power outages or operate without access to electricity altogether. This power deficiency limits the centres’ ability to use essential appliances like refrigerators to store nutritious food, maintain records digitally, or run educational tools like fans, lights, and computers. Given that many of these centres serve as lifelines for communities, the unavailability of electricity further exacerbates the challenges faced by staff and children alike.
The lack of both buildings and electricity has further compounded existing problems within the Anganwadi system. Staff members often struggle to carry out their duties effectively in these less-than-ideal conditions. The inadequate infrastructure also limits the scope of activities the centres can offer, such as health check-ups, nutrition programs, and early childhood education. Parida emphasized that a considerable number of these centres operate in very remote regions of Odisha, making them even more difficult to improve or renovate due to logistical challenges and a lack of resources.
While the state government has made some progress in addressing these issues, Parida acknowledged that much work remains to be done. The Deputy CM noted that the state administration has been working on a long-term strategy to improve infrastructure and provide consistent power to the Anganwadi centres. However, the scale of the problem requires significant investment, both from the state and central governments, in terms of financial resources and coordinated action.
Parida also emphasized that the issue of infrastructure is particularly pressing as Odisha continues to face demographic pressures. With rising populations in rural and tribal areas, the need for robust Anganwadi centres to address early childhood development has never been more critical. The Deputy Chief Minister called for urgent intervention, not only in the form of building infrastructure but also in improving the overall management and monitoring of Anganwadi centres, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the growing needs of communities across the state.
The state’s Anganwadi centres play a pivotal role in achieving national development goals, such as improving child nutrition and literacy rates. With proper infrastructure and access to utilities like electricity, these centres can be transformed into spaces where children’s health and education are prioritized, paving the way for a brighter future for Odisha’s youngest citizens.
In conclusion, Pravati Parida’s remarks shed light on the significant challenges faced by Anganwadi centres in Odisha. While efforts are being made, the issues of infrastructure and electricity remain critical and must be addressed on an urgent basis. Only then can Odisha hope to provide the necessary support to its children and families, who rely on these centres for essential services.
