Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Cabinet on August 12 approved the continuation of the State Sector Scheme “Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana” for a further period of five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
The Cabinet has also approved revision in the unit cost of uniforms, shoes and socks, and sweaters for pre-school children enrolled in Anganwadi Centres, along with provision for an additional pair of socks.
Under the revised scheme, each pre-school boy child will be provided two pairs of uniforms at a unit cost of Rs 175 per pair. Each pre-school girl child will be provided two pairs of uniforms at a unit cost of Rs 225 per pair. Every beneficiary will be provided one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks at Rs 180, and a sweater at Rs 200. The scheme will continue to be implemented through Anganwadi Centres across the state.
The scheme is expected to benefit around 14.76 lakh pre-school children in the age group of 3 to 6 years every year across Odisha. The Cabinet has approved a total scheme outlay of Rs 5,86,50,75,480 for the five-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
Officials said the scheme will strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education, improve enrolment and regular attendance in Anganwadi Centres, and promote equity and inclusion. It will also facilitate children’s smooth transition to primary schools.
The scheme will further generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for Self Help Groups, SHG Federations and Subhadra beneficiaries engaged in stitching and supply of uniforms.
