### Deputy CM Diya Kumari Visits Nand Ghar in Jaipur

Jaipur, Rajasthan – Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari paid a special visit to the Nand Ghar centre located in Vidhyadhar Nagar, Jaipur, where she experienced firsthand the transformative changes being brought about by Vedanta’s flagship social initiative. The Deputy CM commended the modernized Anganwadi model that aims to reshape early childhood care and women's empowerment across rural India.

The Nand Ghar project, spearheaded by the Anil Agarwal Foundation, is reimagining traditional Anganwadi centres as vibrant, technology-enabled hubs of learning and development. These centers are equipped with smart learning tools, LED TVs, BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) designs, and engaging classroom spaces that nurture cognitive, emotional, and physical growth in children aged 3 to 6. The initiative also includes facilities and programs designed to uplift local women through skill-building, entrepreneurship, and health services.

During her visit, Diya Kumari toured interactive classrooms, reviewed e-learning modules, and spoke with Anganwadi workers and community women. Many shared their inspiring journeys of income generation and self-sufficiency through skill development activities such as handicrafts, tailoring, and food processing — stories that reflected the on-ground impact of Nand Ghar's holistic approach.

Reiterating her commitment to rural development, Deputy CM Diya Kumari lauded the initiative and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in realizing the vision of a malnutrition-free, educated, and empowered India. She highlighted the potential of such models to scale across the state and contribute meaningfully to national development goals.

In Rajasthan, Vedanta has already signed an MoU to establish 25,000 Nand Ghars, aiming to significantly strengthen early childhood care, maternal health, and rural women empowerment throughout the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shashi Arora, CEO of Nand Ghar, said:

“It was an honor to welcome Deputy CM Diya Kumari and present the community-level work we are doing through Nand Ghar. Her appreciation inspires us to deepen our impact. With strong support from the government and active community engagement, we are committed to offering scalable solutions in education, nutrition, health, and women’s economic empowerment.”

Presently, Nand Ghar operates in 15 states through a network of over 8,500 centers, serving as a vital extension of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). In Rajasthan, the initiative has also introduced the Balvardhan Project in Dholpur, a scientific and data-driven model for enhancing early childhood development outcomes. Implemented in collaboration with partners like John Snow Inc. (JSI) and Rocket Learning, the project focuses on impact measurement, digital innovation, and skill enhancement for Anganwadi workers.

This landmark visit by Deputy CM Diya Kumari reaffirms the shared resolve between the Government of Rajasthan and Vedanta to build a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive India — aligned with national programs such as POSHAN 2.0, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

About Nand Ghar:

Nand Ghar, an initiative of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, is redefining India’s Anganwadi ecosystem in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD). Currently impacting over 3.4 lakh children and 2.5 lakh women, Nand Ghar envisions transforming 13.7 lakh Anganwadis across the country, positively touching the lives of 7 crore children and 2 crore women. The project emphasizes nutrition, digital early education, primary healthcare, and women’s livelihood opportunities to ensure holistic community development.

📍To learn more, visit: www.nandghar.org