Odisha govt issues ‘most urgent’ revised timings for Anganwadi centers amid prevailing heatwave

The Odisha government has announced revised operating hours for Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) across the state in response to the ongoing heatwave. A circular from the Department of Women & Child Development dated March 18 and marked ‘MOST URGENT’ directed all district collectors to implement the changes immediately.

According to the revised schedule, Anganwadi Centres operating in their own buildings or other fully designated spaces will function from 7 am to 9 am instead of the usual 9 am to 2 pm. Additionally, those centres that use school classrooms must also operate between 7 am and 9 am to ensure they are vacated before school hours.

Heatwave Precautions and Alternative Measures

The directive allows for AWCs to remain closed if heatwave conditions worsen, in which case beneficiaries will be provided dry rations instead of regular meals.

Additionally, district collectors have been instructed to ensure compliance with the revised schedule and take necessary precautions for the safety of children and staff.

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Chief Minister’s Intervention

The decision follows a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assessed the state’s preparedness for rising temperatures.

Addressing the associated issue of water scarcity, the CM announced the sanctioning of over 17,000 borewells by the Panchayati Raj Department. District collectors have also been tasked with ensuring the installation and repair of borewells within a week in areas facing acute shortages.

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Accordingly, the CM also issued a strict prohibition on power cuts from 11 am to 5 pm and from 9 pm to 6 am unless deemed extremely necessary. The measures come as several places in the state continue to rank among the hottest places in the country, with Boudh topping the nationwide list for three consecutive days.