Argus News - Anganwadi Construction Delays: Odisha Govt Extends Deadline

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4: The construction of Anganwadi centres across Odisha has hit delays, with 532 centres still incomplete despite earlier directives.

The Panchayati Raj Department had instructed that 1,993 centres be completed by October 15. While 1,461 centres have been finished, the remaining 532 have now been given a revised deadline of December 10.

Officials have clarified that centres where funds have already been sanctioned and land identified, but construction has not yet begun, will be taken up under new schemes. Each Anganwadi centre will now be built at an enhanced unit cost of ₹15 lakh, reflecting revised construction standards and requirements.

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One of the major hurdles has been the lack of participation from contractors in several areas, which stalled the initiation of work. To address this, the government has decided that in districts where tenders have not been floated, projects will be grouped and handed over to a single contractor on a district-wise basis. This move is expected to streamline the process and ensure faster execution.

In cases where suitable land has not yet been identified, monthly review meetings will be conducted under the chairmanship of the Sub-Collector. These meetings will involve Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, District Social Welfare Officers (DSWOs), and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) to expedite land identification and resolve bottlenecks.

Additionally, a maintenance grant of ₹3,000 per centre, already released earlier, can now be utilized for minor repairs and upkeep of essential facilities such as toilets and drinking water systems. This measure aims to ensure that existing centres remain functional and safe for children and staff while new constructions are underway.

The Panchayati Raj Department has issued directives to all district collectors, emphasizing the urgency of completing the pending centres and ensuring proper monitoring. The completion of these Anganwadi centres is seen as vital for strengthening child welfare services, nutrition programmes, and early childhood education across Odisha.