Odisha Cabinet extends child welfare schemes for five years

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved the extension of several child welfare schemes for an additional five years, covering the period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

The state will allocate Rs 296.99 crore to continue the ‘Jashoda’ state sector scheme and its ‘Ashirbad’ sub-scheme. These programs provide financial, educational, and social safety nets for vulnerable children, including orphans, children with incapacitated parents, those affected by HIV, and children who lost primary breadwinners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the extension of the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana at a cost of approximately Rs 586.50 crore. This scheme provides uniforms, shoes, socks, and sweaters to nearly 14.76 lakh children aged three to six enrolled in anganwadi centres. The extension includes revised unit costs to support early childhood care and education, aiming to improve enrollment and school transitions.