Gujarat Launches 607 Modern Anganwadi Centres

These centres, being built under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), are designed to contribute to the state’s vision of a Viksit Gujarat and, ultimately, a Viksit Bharat by 2047, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader national development goals. The ceremony was attended by key officials, including Finance and Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai, Women and Child Development Minister Bhanuben Babariya, and Chief Secretary Raj Kumar.

The newly constructed Anganwadis will use LGSF technology, which has been chosen after extensive research. This technology enables the rapid construction of robust, eco-friendly centres that can withstand earthquakes, moisture, and fire, with each facility completed in just 60 days.

As part of the initiative, the state government is committed to ensuring these centres are equipped with modern, high-quality facilities. This will foster an environment conducive to learning and development for the over 45 lakh children, women, and lactating mothers currently benefiting from Gujarat’s 53,000 operational Anganwadis.

The Chief Minister expressed the importance of instilling national values in young children, emphasizing that today’s Anganwadi enrollees will be the future leaders of India by the time the nation celebrates its centenary of independence. He assured the public that sufficient funds will be allocated for the project, underscoring the government’s dedication to ensuring sustainable and well-equipped Anganwadis.

The Women and Child Development Minister also highlighted the significance of Anganwadis in the nation’s future development. She emphasized that the state is committed to leveraging advanced technologies like LGSF to provide children with a solid foundation for their growth.

GSPC’s role in this transformative project, led by Raj Kumar and Milind Torawane, MD of GSPC, also includes a plan to modernize older, deteriorating Anganwadi centres. GSPC’s CSR initiative aims to continue the development of Anganwadis until all facilities across the state are equipped with essential infrastructure.

The launch event, which was followed by speeches from various dignitaries, also served as a platform for discussing the broader impact of these developments in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the state’s children and women.