Bhubaneswar: To advance the vision of “Viksit Odisha @ 2036,” Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida today inaugurated the Panchatatwa Park and launched the SUPOSHIT Odisha Mission (SOM) at the State Institute for Women & Children (SIWC) in Bhubaneswar. On this occasion, she also laid the foundation stone for the Subhadra Resource Centre, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of women and children.
Parida emphasised that the fight against malnutrition begins at home. She issued a clarion call to educate mothers at the grassroots level, empowering them with the knowledge to ensure their children’s health. A key highlight of her speech was the “localization of nutritious food,” where she urged the community to rely on locally available, nutrient-rich resources rather than processed alternatives.
In a unique social appeal, she encouraged citizens to celebrate personal milestones, such as birthdays, by distributing fruits to local Anganwadi children.
The Panchatatwa Park, based on the five essential elements of nature (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space), was inaugurated by the Deputy CM.
Acupressure Path: There is a circular path in the shape of the number “8,” where pebbles, stones, and sand have been used. This helps improve blood circulation and provides mental peace.
Open-Air Gym: This facility will serve as a center to connect women and children with nature.
The Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Subhadra Resource Centre and a 400-seater modern auditorium at the SIWC campus, with an estimated investment of Rs 35.70 crore.
This integrated facility, which will include a Toy Museum and Cafeteria, will serve as a dynamic hub for capacity building, research, and policy initiatives for women and children.
Inaugurating the two-day State-level Orientation-cum-Capacity Building Workshop under the SUPOSHIT Odisha Mission, Deputy CM Parida stated that the goal is to strengthen Anganwadi workers at the grassroots level.
The SOM initiative focuses on transforming Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) into malnutrition-free zones. Centres with no underweight or malnourished children will be declared “SUPOSHIT,” and the respective workers will receive public recognition. A dedicated dashboard will monitor the real-time progress of each centre across the state.
Revision in Cost Norms for Uniforms & Winter Wear
To ensure the comfort and dignity of preschool children (ages 3–6), the Deputy CM announced a significant increase in financial allocations under the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana.
The revised unit costs, effective from the 2026–27 financial year, are as follows:
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Boys’ Uniform: Increased from Rs 100 to Rs 175
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Girls’ Uniform: Increased from Rs 150 to Rs 225
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Shoes & Socks: Increased from Rs 100 to Rs 150
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Sweaters (Winter Wear): Increased from Rs 150 to Rs 200
This revision will benefit over 14.76 lakh children across 74,224 centers, with the additional costs fully funded by the State Government.
On the occasion, Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary of Women and Child Development; Monisha Banerjee, Director, WCD; Ananta Narayan Singh Laguri, Additional Secretary; Swayam Prava Mohanty, Additional Secretary; and other senior officials, along with Anganwadi workers from various districts, were present.
At the end of the program, a group pledge, led by Deputy CM Parida, was taken for a “Non-Malnutrition-Free Odisha.”
