100 Gadchiroli anganwadis to be converted into ‘Nand Ghars'

Time of India

30-05-2025

Nagpur: In a significant development, 100 anganwadis in Gadchiroli district will be transformed into modern 'Nand Ghars' with e-learning facilities by Vedanta Group's Anil Agarwal Foundation.
'Nand Ghar' is a flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) project to modernise tribal schools.
The 'Nand Ghars' will provide early childhood education and nutritional support to the children in the morning and conduct health and micro-enterprise awareness programmes for women in the afternoon. This innovative initiative is being implemented under the vision of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
To execute this initiative, department of women and child development has facilitated a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Gadchiroli Zilla Parishad and Anil Agarwal Foundation.
The MoU was signed by Gadchiroli ZP CEO Suhas Gade, and Shashi Arora, CEO, Nand Ghar, Vedanta.
As part of the project, the anganwadis will be upgraded with modern infrastructure. Children aged 3 to 6 will receive pre-primary education and nutritional support in the morning session, while women will participate in afternoon programmes focusing on health awareness and micro-enterprise development.
The upgraded anganwadis will cater to nearly 3,900 children aged 0 to 6, along with over 600 pregnant and lactating women.
Additionally, 1,134 adolescent girls will receive skill development training in afternoon sessions. This initiative is expected to address health issues in remote areas of Gadchiroli and empower women economically by providing livelihood-oriented training. The govt also plans to scale this initiative across the state.
Each upgraded centre will feature colourful, child-friendly interiors and be equipped with basic amenities, including LED TVs for e-learning.
Training will also be provided to anganwadi workers on e-learning tools, and to accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) for delivering health services.
The ZP will coordinate the project by providing list of eligible anganwadis, appointing district-level nodal officer, overseeing branding, and ensuring regular maintenance. Infrastructure such as water supply, toilets, electricity, and healthcare services will be ensured. A joint working group will be established to monitor and implement the project effectively. This initiative underscores CM's commitment to inclusive growth and highlights his compassionate approach to developmental governance.