GADCHIROLI, MAHARASHTRA (India CSR): In a significant step toward inclusive rural development, Anil Agarwal Foundation’s flagship initiative, Nand Ghar has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zilla Parishad, Gadchiroli, to transform 100 Anganwadi Centres into modern Nand Ghars in Maharashtra. The partnership was formalized in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, reinforcing the state’s commitment to bringing inclusive development to its most underserved regions.
Impacting Women Children
This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, will directly impact the lives of 3,900 children under 6 years of age and over 1,700 women and adolescent girls. The mordernised centres will provide early childhood education, access to nutrition meals, primary healthcare, and skill-development, creating an opportunity for holistic growth and development. The project is a testament to Maharashtra’s commitment to bridging development gaps in tribal areas through innovation and inclusive partnerships.
Supporting National Goals
With 25 Anganwadis in Thane, Maharashtra already transformed into Nand Ghars, this collaboration builds on the past success and aligns with India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Poshan 2.0. It also advances UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 5 (Gender Equality) placing children and women at the center of inclusive progress.
Enhanced Learning Infrastructure
The modernize Anganwadi centres will feature vibrant BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) designs, LED TVs for e-learning, child-friendly furniture, and essential amenities like safe drinking water, electricity, and sanitation.
Chief Minister Statement
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis highlighted, “Aligned with the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of Maharashtra is committed to ensuring that every child grows up healthy, educated, and well-nourished, while also empowering women through skilling, livelihood opportunities, and holistic development. The transformation of 100 Anganwadis in Gadchiroli into Nand Ghars is a testament to what strong public-private partnerships can achieve. We look forward to expanding this impact-driven model across Maharashtra.”
Two-Phase Programming
The Nand Ghars will operate in two phases throughout the day. Mornings will focus on early childhood education and nutrition for children, while afternoons will have community-focused programs including health awareness sessions, micro-enterprise workshops, and skill training for over 600 pregnant and lactating mothers and 1,100 adolescent girls, enabling them to become self-reliant and financially empowered.
Vedanta Leadership Commitment
Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Ltd., and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Ltd., who has been at the forefront of Nand Ghar’s expansion, emphasized the project’s long-term vision, said. “Every child deserves a safe space to learn, and every woman deserves a chance to grow and lead. With the launch of Nand Ghars in Gadchiroli, we are taking a meaningful step toward bridging gaps that have existed for generations. We are committed to our vision of Transforming for Good and hope to continue with the state government in improving health, nutrition and education outcomes for women and children in rural Maharashtra.”
Workforce Capacity Building
To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, Anganwadi workers will be trained to deliver e-learning content through LED TVs and tablets, while Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) will receive specialized training to enhance access to primary healthcare and improve community health indicators.
Administrative Coordination Plan
The Zilla Parishad, Ghadchiroli, will lead coordination efforts by identifying eligible Anganwadis, appointing nodal officers, and ensuring visibility and maintenance of the upgraded centres. A joint working group will oversee the implementation and monitoring on ground to ensure seamless execution.
Empowering Tribal Communities
With a strong focus on community empowerment and equitable access to services, this project aims to create holistic rural development in tribal and underserved districts in Maharashtra.
Nand Ghar Expansion
Nand Ghar has already established over 8,300 centres across 15 states, touching the lives of millions of children and women. Most recently, the initiative renewed its partnership with the Government of Rajasthan to establish 25,000 state-of-the-art centres across the state. The launch in Gadchiroli, marks yet another milestone in Nand Ghar’s journey towards healthier, better educated and self-reliant India.
(India CSR)
