AI SummaryOdisha government launched Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana 2026 in 2017-18 to give two sets of free uniforms to pre-school children in Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). On 12 August 2026, the state cabinet approved the continuation of this scheme for five more years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of around ₹586.51 crore.
Around 14.76 lakh pre-school children in the age group of 3 to 6 years are expected to get benefit from this uniform distribution scheme every year. Uniforms are distributed on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, 2 October, and the scheme is run by the Women and Child Development Department of Odisha.
Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana 2026
The main objective of Odisha Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana is to provide two sets of free uniforms to pre-school children. Kids from poor families study in Anganwadi centres where uniform is a must requirement. Their parents are not able to purchase new uniforms for such children, so this uniform distribution scheme helps them.
Now the state government provides free school uniforms, shoes, socks and sweaters to every child studying in AWCs. The latest approval also raised the unit cost of these items so that the quality of clothing improves. Along with uniforms, the scheme supports Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and encourages more children to enrol in Anganwadi Centres.
Revised Benefits of Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana 2026
With the 12 August 2026 cabinet approval, the unit cost of uniforms, shoes, socks and sweaters has been revised. The scheme also added a provision for an extra pair of socks for every child. Under the revised scheme, each child gets the following:
- Boys get two pairs of uniforms at a unit cost of ₹175 per pair.
- Girls get two pairs of uniforms at a unit cost of ₹225 per pair.
- Every child gets one pair of shoes and two pairs of socks at ₹180.
- Every child gets one sweater at ₹200.
The scheme will be implemented through Anganwadi Centres across the state. It is expected to improve enrolment and regular attendance in AWCs, promote equality and inclusion, and help children move smoothly to primary schools. The scheme also gives regular stitching and supply work to Self Help Groups, SHG Federations and Subhadra beneficiaries. For Anganwadi children, Odisha also runs Mukhyamantri Sampoorna Pushti Yojana for nutrition support to malnourished children in the same age group.
Eligibility and Distribution Process
Any child in the age group of 3 to 6 years enrolled in an Anganwadi Centre in Odisha is eligible for this scheme. There is no separate application form and parents do not have to pay anything. The child's name is registered with the local AWC and uniforms are distributed through the centre.
For 2025-26, the Women and Child Development Department released ₹4,292.41 lakh to districts for procurement and distribution of uniforms, covering around 17.23 lakh pre-school children. For 2026-27, district offices have started inviting applications from SHGs and micro and small enterprises for stitching and supply of uniforms under Shishu Poshak Karyakram.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana 2026 |
| State | Odisha |
| Launched By | Women and Child Development Department, Odisha government |
| Eligible Children | Pre-school children aged 3 to 6 years in Anganwadi Centres |
| Benefit | 2 pairs of uniforms, shoes, socks and sweater |
| Scheme Period | 2026-27 to 2030-31 |
| Total Outlay | Around ₹586.51 crore |
| Application Mode | No application needed, distribution through AWCs |
| Official Website | wcd.odisha.gov.in |
Benefits of the Scheme
Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana helps children and their families in many ways:
- Free uniforms reduce the money burden on poor parents who find it hard to buy school dress.
- Proper uniforms create a sense of equality among children and reduce peer pressure and bullying in AWCs.
- New uniforms keep children interested in attending Anganwadi Centres regularly, which improves enrolment and attendance.
- The scheme gives regular stitching work and income to SHGs, SHG Federations and Subhadra beneficiaries across Odisha.
Official Links and Notifications
Here are the official links related to Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana:
- Official circular and guidelines of WCD Odisha
- Official notification PDF for uniform distribution 2025-26
- Gazette resolution for continuation of the scheme
- EOI notice 2026-27 for supply of uniforms to AWCs
FAQ's
What is Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana?
Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana is a state sector scheme of Odisha under which pre-school children in Anganwadi Centres get two sets of free uniforms, shoes, socks and a sweater. The scheme is run by the Women and Child Development Department.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Children in the age group of 3 to 6 years enrolled in Anganwadi Centres in Odisha are eligible. Parents do not need to fill any application form.
Is the scheme still running in 2026?
Yes. On 12 August 2026, the Odisha cabinet approved its continuation for five more years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of around ₹586.51 crore.
How many children get benefit from this scheme?
Around 14.76 lakh pre-school children are expected to get benefit from this scheme every year.