Bhubaneswar : In a bold move towards eradicating malnutrition from Odisha, Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida has urged all Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) to step up their efforts and ensure proper food delivery at Anganwadi centres. Addressing a crucial meeting, she emphasized that CDPOs will be held directly accountable if beneficiaries do not receive adequate nutrition.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, Parida announced that every Anganwadi centre will soon have its own permanent building, equipped with clean water and electricity. “Anganwadi centres should reflect the pride of each locality. CDPOs must take the initiative to enhance their conditions and inspect each centre at least once every six months,” she directed.
Raising concern over Odisha’s alarming position in national malnutrition rankings despite advancements, Parida stressed, “It’s unacceptable for a state like Odisha to still battle malnutrition. Lack of proper interlinkages and ground-level negligence is a major cause. We must prioritize this issue to build a developed and healthy Odisha.”
She also called for field-level monitoring and accurate ground feedback to the government. “Ignoring even the smallest issues will prevent real change. Officers must report real-time problems, not doctored updates,” she warned.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, addressing a CDPOs’ conference, flagged the lack of coordination among ground-level officials. “All departments must work in synergy. Do not submit misleading reports knowingly. Bring real problems to us—we will find solutions,” he said.
Ahuja further instructed CDPOs to submit genuine proposals to empower all schools and Anganwadi centres across the state. “Only then can we create a robust foundation for Odisha’s future,” he added.
With these strong directives, the Odisha government aims to build not just infrastructure but accountability and coordination from the ground up, turning its vision of a malnutrition-free and empowered Odisha into reality.
