Vedanta’s AAF To Upgrade 100 Anganwadi Centres In Odisha’s Rayagada

Rayagada (Odisha): Vedanta Aluminium’s Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rayagada district administration to transform 100 Anganwadi centres into state-of-the-art ‘Nand Ghars’ that will cater to the needs of women and child development.

In the first phase, 15 Anganwadi centres in Rayagada’s Kashipur block will be upgraded to ‘Nand Ghars’, ensuring enhanced infrastructure support and services. The remaining 85 centres will be upgraded across other blocks in subsequent phases.

Rayagada Collector and District Magistrate Parul Patawari and District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Minati Deo were among those present at the MoU-signing ceremony.

“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,” said Minati.

Vedanta Aluminium Chief Operating Officer (CEO) Sunil Gupta said the company is dedicated to community development as per Vedanta’s core values of creating a positive and lasting impact in and around the regions it operates.

“Vedanta’s flagship social impact project Nand Ghar plays a crucial role in empowering women along with strengthening the foundation of early childhood education. We’re proud to partner with the Rayagada district authorities to build a brighter future for the next generation,” added the CEO.

‘Nand Ghar’, Vedanta’s flagship community initiative, was launched in 2015 under the aegis of AAF in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development.

Around 500 Nand Ghars are currently functional in Odisha, benefiting 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.