Patna: Bihar is set to transform 1,000 selected Anganwadi centres into modern ‘Nand Ghars’ under a joint initiative of the Social Welfare Department and Anil Agarwal Foundation (Vedanta Group). The initiative aims to expand the role of Anganwadi centres beyond early childhood nutrition and education by providing children with improved learning, nutrition and healthcare facilities, while also creating opportunities for women’s skill development and economic empowerment.
The initiative will be implemented in line with Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 and the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ campaign.
Bihar has also become the 18th state to join the Nand Ghar movement, which currently has around 15,000 centres across 17 states, according to the information provided.
1,000 Anganwadi Centres to Be Transformed into Nand Ghars
Under the initiative, 1,000 selected Anganwadi centres across Bihar will be upgraded into modern Nand Ghars.
The transformation is intended to provide a more comprehensive environment for children and women, with facilities covering education, nutrition, healthcare and skill development.
In the first phase, five to 10 Anganwadi centres have been selected from several districts, including:
- Patna
- Gaya
- Purnia
- Sitamarhi
- Jamui
- Sheikhpura
The first phase will also cover selected centres in several other districts of the state.
At present, centres with their own buildings have been selected for the initiative.
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Children to Get Smart Learning and Better Nutrition
The modern Nand Ghar model will provide children with an improved learning environment designed around play-based and digital education.
Children between three and six years of age will receive a learning experience similar to a play school.
The upgraded centres will use:
- Television-based learning
- Audio-visual educational content
- Digital learning tools
- Modern educational toys
- Play-based teaching methods
The initiative aims to make early childhood education more engaging while strengthening the nutrition and development support available to young children.
Nutrition and Health Support for Women and Children
The Nand Ghar centres will also focus on improving nutrition and healthcare services.
Pregnant and lactating women will be provided with nutritious packaged nutrition support. Regular health check-ups will also be conducted through mobile health vans.
The model is designed to bring multiple essential services together at one location, benefiting children as well as women in the community.
Anganwadi Centres to Become Women’s Skill Development Hubs
The upgraded centres will also serve as spaces for women’s skill development and self-reliance after children’s learning activities are completed.
In the afternoon and evening, local women will be provided training in various employment-oriented skills, including:
- Sewing
- Embroidery
- Computer skills
- Other livelihood-oriented vocational skills
The initiative aims to help rural women develop new skills and create additional opportunities for income generation and economic independence.
Solar Power and Clean Drinking Water Facilities
The modern Nand Ghar centres will also be equipped with essential infrastructure and facilities.
Solar panels will be installed to provide 24-hour electricity, while water purifiers will be used to ensure access to clean drinking water for children and women.
These facilities are expected to make the upgraded Anganwadi centres more convenient, attractive and suitable for learning and community activities.
Bihar Becomes 18th State to Join Nand Ghar Movement
With this initiative, Bihar has become the 18th state to join the Nand Ghar movement.
According to the information provided, the Nand Ghar initiative currently covers around 15,000 centres across 17 states in India.
The expansion of the initiative to Bihar is expected to strengthen the state’s efforts towards improving early childhood education, nutrition, healthcare and women’s empowerment through upgraded community-level centres.
What Is the Nand Ghar Model?
The Nand Ghar model is a national initiative of Vedanta Resources and the Anil Agarwal Foundation, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The initiative aims to transform traditional Anganwadi centres into modern facilities where children and women can access multiple services under one roof.
The model focuses on:
- Early childhood education
- Child nutrition
- Healthcare support
- Digital and play-based learning
- Women’s skill development
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Solar-powered electricity
- Clean drinking water
With the planned transformation of 1,000 Anganwadi centres, Bihar’s Nand Ghar initiative is expected to provide a more modern and integrated platform for child development, nutrition, health and women’s empowerment.
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