100 Anganwadis in Gadchiroli to Be Transformed into ‘Nand Ghars’Innovative Initiative in Gadchiroli Inspired by CM Devendra Fadnavis’ Vision

Anganwadis to Be Upgraded with E-Learning Facilities
MoU Signed Between Gadchiroli Zilla Parishad and Vedanta Group

Mumbai : In a significant move aimed at boosting early childhood education and women’s empowerment in tribal regions, 100 Anganwadis in Gadchiroli district will be transformed into modern ‘Nand Ghars’. These upgraded centers will be equipped with e-learning facilities and will serve as dual-purpose spaces providing education and nutrition to children in the mornings, and hosting health and micro-entrepreneurship awareness programs for women in the afternoons. This pioneering initiative is being implemented in Gadchiroli under the visionary guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

To execute this program, the Department of Women and Child Development facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Zilla Parishad of Gadchiroli and Anil Agarwal Foundation of the Vedanta Group. The MoU was signed by Suhas Gade, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Gadchiroli, and Shashi Arora, CEO of Nand Ghar.

As part of this collaboration, Anganwadis will be modernized with improved infrastructure and transformed into Nand Ghars. The initiative targets children aged 3 to 6 years, offering early childhood education along with health and nutrition support. In the afternoons, these centers will conduct awareness programs for women on health and micro-enterprise development.

Plan to Expand Across Maharashtra

This initiative will benefit a total of 3,867 children aged 0 to 6 years, as well as 602 pregnant and lactating mothers. Additionally, 1,134 adolescent girls will receive vocational training in afternoon sessions. The project aims to address health issues in remote areas of Gadchiroli and economically empower women through skill-building. The state government also intends to replicate this model across Maharashtra.

As part of the project, the centers will receive aesthetic upgrades including colorful, child-friendly interiors, basic amenities, and e-learning tools such as LED TVs or tablets. Training will be provided for Anganwadi workers in e-learning and for ASHA workers and ANMs in health services.

The Zilla Parishad will act as the coordinating agency, providing a list of selected Anganwadis, appointing nodal officers at the district level, and overseeing branding and maintenance. Each Anganwadi will be equipped with access to clean water, toilets, electricity, and essential health facilities. A joint task force will be formed to monitor and implement the project effectively.

With the proactive leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gadchiroli district is witnessing accelerated all-round development. This initiative is yet another testament to the CM’s commitment to inclusive and innovative governance.