Around 55,000 Anganwadi centres across West Bengal are set to receive electricity connections under a ₹33 crore initiative funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from two state-owned power utilities.
The initiative has been outlined in a notification issued by the West Bengal Power Department on August 6, in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.
₹33 Crore CSR Funding
According to the notification, the estimated cost of the programme is around ₹33 crore.
The funding will come from the CSR allocations of:
- West Bengal State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (WBSETCL)
- West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL)
Each utility will contribute ₹8.25 crore during the current financial year, with another similar contribution planned for the following year.
The combined funding will support the electrification of thousands of ICDS centres across the state.
WBSEDCL to Implement the Programme
The project will be implemented by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) in coordination with the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department.
WBSEDCL will prepare the execution plan and carry out the work through its regional offices across different districts.
The Women and Child Development Department will prepare a list of approximately 55,000 ICDS centres, assessing their existing infrastructure and readiness for electricity connections.
The centres will then be electrified in phases based on priority.
Electricity Connections to Be Monitored
The notification also establishes a monitoring system for the new connections.
Each electricity connection will be registered in the name of the respective Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of the block.
The mobile number of the Anganwadi worker or helper associated with the centre will also be linked to the electricity connection for purposes including meter installation.
Geo-Tagged Verification
The programme includes detailed documentation requirements to ensure that the work is properly completed.
Before and after installation, geo-tagged photographs showing the latitude and longitude of the centre will have to be taken.
The photographs must include both the concerned Anganwadi worker or helper and the contractor’s personnel.
An installation certificate will subsequently have to be signed by the concerned ICDS worker and the WBSEDCL station manager.
Utilisation Reports Required
After completion of the work, WBSEDCL will submit utilisation certificates and detailed implementation reports to WBSETCL and WBPDCL.
The reports will be based on records submitted by the respective regional managers overseeing the work in different districts.
Improving Basic Infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres
The electrification programme is expected to improve basic infrastructure at thousands of Anganwadi centres, which provide essential services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme.
Access to electricity can support better lighting, the use of basic electrical equipment and improved working conditions for Anganwadi workers and the children and families who depend on these centres.
The initiative also demonstrates how CSR funding from state-owned utilities can be directed towards essential community infrastructure and social development.
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