Odisha administration signs pact AAF to upgrade 100 Anganwadi centres in Rayagada

By Payal Behera

Rayagada (Odisha), Feb. 17: Odisha’s Rayagada district administration has signed of Understanding (MoU) with Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) to transform 100 Anganwadi centres into state-of-the-art “Nand Ghars” that could cater to the needs of women and child development.

The MoU-signing ceremony was graced by District Collector Parul Patawari and Minati Deo, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO). As part of this initiative, 15 Anganwadi centres in Kashipur block will be upgraded to “Nand Ghars” in the first phase ensuring enhanced infrastructure support and services, while the remaining 85 centres will be upgraded across other blocks in different phases.

Appreciating the move, Rayagada DSWO Minati Deo remarked, “We welcome Vedanta’s support in transforming Anganwadi centres in the district. The Nand Ghar initiative is not just creating learning centres, but also safe spaces that nurture the holistic well-being of children and women. This MoU marks a significant step toward our shared goal of community empowerment.”

Emphasising the company’s commitment to grassroots development, Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer (CEO), Vedanta Aluminium, said, “We are dedicated to community development which is rooted in Vedanta’s core values of creating a positive and lasting impact in and around the regions it operates.”

Notably, “Nand Ghar” is Vedanta’s flagship community initiative launched in 2015 under the aegis of Anil Agarwal Foundation in collaboration with the Government of India’s Ministry of Women & Child Development. It offers holistic services by providing pre-school readiness to children under 6 years of age, wholesome nutrition through nutritious meals and take-home rations for pregnant and lactating women, improved healthcare through ANM staff (auxiliary nurse/midwives) and skill development through training programmes for women.

At present, around 500 Nand Ghars are functional in Odisha impacting over 18,000 children and 5,000 women across eight districts by supporting comprehensive community welfare through solar lights, water purifiers, toilets, BALA paintings and nutrition gardens facilities.

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Photograph: District Collector Parul Patawari (Centre) and other delegates at the MoU ceremony