24 June 2023, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), the philanthropic arm of Vedanta Ltd, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the District Administration of Varanasi to develop additional 250 Nand Ghars in the region. Post the MoU signing, the footprint of Nand Ghars in Varanasi district would stand at 1478 thus impacting the lives of more than 1 lac women & children with its services around health, nutrition, education, and skill development. The MoU was signed by Mr. Himanshu Nagpal (I.A.S.), Chief Development Officer, District Varanasi, and Ms. Ritu Jhingon, CEO of Nand Ghar, representing the Anil Agarwal Foundation, in the presence of Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh Smt. Anandiben Patel.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel, said, “The MoU with Anil Agarwal Foundation will not only uplift women and children, the pillars of our society, but will also pave the way for a bright future of our state. The Foundation has created a unique model through Nand Ghars and its exemplary services and has been contributing to the government’s mission of promoting holistic development of the Nation. We are certain that the upcoming centres shall help us take our key initiative of Poshan bhi, Padhai Bhi ahead in Varanasi district.”

Project Nand Ghar under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation has been proactively working on-ground to bridge the urban-rural gap and bring metro-city-like facilities to the doorstep of its Anganwadi centres across Varanasi.  It has completed 1000 Nand Ghars in the Varanasi district and is serving the communities through its presence of 4500 Nand Ghars across 14 states of India.

Ms. Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd & Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited said, “Project Nand Ghar aims to ensure that rural India is not left behind in India’s march for progress. Since inception, Nand Ghar has emerged as a key enabler of socio-economic development, in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat by serving the objective of combating child malnutrition, providing education, healthcare, and empowering women through skill development. We are thankful to the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and the district administration of Varanasi for their constant support in creating a deeper and sustainable impact in the lives of children, women, and communities.”

Recently, AAF had signed four MoUs with the Government of Uttar Pradesh expected to positively impact the lives of its communities in Varanasi district. One of the major interventions under the aforesaid MoUs was the launch of the multi millet nutri-bar that shall contribute significantly towards meeting the nutritional needs of children. AAF is providing nutrition-packed millet bars to 50,000 children daily across 1400 Anganwadi centers including Nand Ghars in three blocks of Varanasi, as part of its 6 months pilot program. Additionally, AAF also signed three agreements to develop 25 porta cabin in Nand Ghars; upgrading 500 rented anganwadis in Nand Ghars and developing 200 greenfields and brownfield Nand Ghars in Varanasi. The signing of today’s MOU is the extension of the existing agreement of developing 500 rented spaces for learning for children and women of Varanasi. Nand Ghar is emerging as the portal of change for women & children transforming the landscape of rural India, including Uttar Pradesh, with the spectrum of services it provides.

Over the years, the Anil Agarwal Foundation has implemented many impactful programs in India and is one of the leading philanthropic institutions in the country. Children’s well-being, women’s empowerment, health care, sustainable agriculture & animal welfare, market-linked skilling of youth, environment protection & restoration, and development of community infrastructure are some of the focus areas of the Foundation’s efforts.