Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to improve early childhood care and education, the Odisha government has raised the allocation for uniforms and footwear provided to children at Anganwadi centres under the Malati Devi Pre-School Scheme.
The enhanced allocation will lead to higher spending on uniforms and shoes for Anganwadi children. The decision has been taken in view of rising costs and the need to maintain quality standards for children’s apparel, official sources said.
As per the revised rates, the cost of boys’ uniforms has been increased from Rs 100 to Rs 175 each, while the allocation for girls’ uniforms has been raised from Rs 150 to Rs 250.
Similarly, the cost for shoes, which was earlier fixed at Rs 100, has now been increased to Rs 150.
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 enhanced allocation is set to benefit over 14.76 lakh children across 74,224 centers, with the additional costs fully funded by the state government.
The revision has been made to improve the quality of uniforms and footwear supplied to Anganwadi children, so that they can attend centres in proper and comfortable attire. The move is expected to benefit thousands of children covered under the scheme in Odisha.
Improving the quality of basic amenities like uniforms and footwear is expected to promote regular attendance, and strengthen the learning environment. Detailed guidelines for the implementation of the revised rates are likely to be issued shortly, officials said.
