Gandhinagar, Jan 23 : In a significant initiative, the Gujarat government has commenced the construction of 607 new Anganwadi-Nand Ghars using Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) technology. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched the project digitally from Gandhinagar.
According to an official statement, CM Patel highlighted the critical role Anganwadi centres play in shaping future generations and emphasized their alignment with the vision of a “Viksit Gujarat,” contributing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047.”
Addressing the e-inauguration ceremony, CM Patel revealed that the 607 Anganwadi centres—also referred to as Nand Ghars—will be constructed by the Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC Group) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Finance and Energy Minister Kanubhai Desai, Women and Child Development Minister Bhanuben Babariya, Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, and other senior officials were also present at the event.
In collaboration with the Women and Child Development Department, GSPC has adopted LGSF technology for the construction, ensuring modern, sustainable, and high-quality Anganwadis. The release further quoted the CM as encouraging Anganwadi workers to dedicate themselves to nurturing children with care, referring to the Prime Minister’s comparison of Anganwadis to “Nand Ghars” and their workers to “Mata Yashodaji.”
Looking ahead to 2047, the centenary of India’s independence, CM Patel underscored the importance of instilling national values and nurturing youth who will then be at the forefront of the nation’s development. He praised GSPC’s impactful initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing adequate funding for creating state-of-the-art Anganwadis.
Women and Child Development Minister Bhanuben Babariya highlighted the department’s ongoing schemes, noting that Gujarat currently operates 53,000 Anganwadis, benefiting over 45 lakh children, women, and lactating mothers. She emphasized that high-quality nutrition and education at Anganwadis are crucial for building a developed Gujarat and, by extension, a developed India.
The release explained that LGSF technology, selected after six months of research, enables the construction of durable, earthquake-resistant, moisture-proof, and fire-resistant structures within just 60 days. The initiative aligns with the government’s aim to modernize all Anganwadis in Gujarat over time, ensuring they are equipped with essential facilities.
Raj Kumar, State Chief Secretary and GSPC Chairman, commended the Chief Minister’s vision of creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and well-equipped Anganwadi centres and schools for the state’s children. GSPC Managing Director Milind Torawane elaborated on the plan to revamp aging Anganwadis into modern Nand Ghars, leveraging innovative technologies.
The program opened with a welcome address by Rakesh Shankar, Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, and concluded with a vote of thanks by ICDS Commissioner Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh. Among the attendees were Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and Petrochemicals Department S.J. Haider, officials from the Women and Child Development Department, GSPC representatives, and other distinguished guests.
