Bhubaneswar, Jan 27: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday announced an increase in the government-approved cost for uniforms and footwear provided to Anganwadi children under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana.

The revised rates were declared during a programme organised by the Women and Child Development Department, marking a hike in state expenditure aimed at improving the quality of uniforms supplied to pre-school children enrolled at Anganwadi centres.

As per the updated allocation, the cost of uniforms for boys has been raised from Rs 100 to Rs 175. For girls, the amount has been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 250. The expenditure earmarked for footwear has also been revised upward, from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per child.

With the revised rates, the government will now spend more on school uniforms and shoes for Anganwadi children across Odisha. Officials said the enhanced allocation will be applicable under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana, which covers early childhood education at Anganwadi centres.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the decision was taken to ensure that children receive uniforms of better quality, in line with the objectives of the state’s pre-school education programme. The scheme focuses on providing early learning support and basic facilities to children before they enter formal schooling.

Anganwadi centres play a key role in delivering pre-school education and nutrition services across the state, particularly in rural and urban low-income areas. The revised uniform and footwear costs are expected to be implemented through the existing Anganwadi framework.

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Officials of the Women and Child Development Department were present during the announcement.