Uniting Government, Industry, and Philanthropy
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the workshop emphasised ECCE as a foundational pillar of Viksit Bharat @2047. Over 100 representatives from corporate CSR leaders, philanthropic foundations, international organisations, development partners, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) attended, alongside officers from Central Ministries and State/UT Governments, to ensure actionable, accountable CSR partnerships for Anganwadi Centres.
Secretary Shri Anil Malik highlighted that Anganwadi Centres serve millions of children and mothers nationwide. He stressed the need for technology-enabled, measurable CSR initiatives aligned with national priorities.
Ministerial Insights on Childhood Investment
Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized that the government’s approach combines “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” strategies to strengthen childhood development initiatives. She stated, “Investment made in childhood is the greatest nation-building,” reinforcing that nearly 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres provide essential services—including nutrition and early education—to over 7.57 crore children under six years of age.
The Minister urged corporate partners to ensure sustainable, measurable impact through focused CSR collaboration.
Technology and Transparency: Pankhudi Portal & Poshan Tracker
Joint Secretary Smt. Radhika Jha presented the scale of India’s Anganwadi ecosystem and outlined priority CSR areas: infrastructure modernisation, ECCE learning enhancement, nutrition support, digital enablement via the Poshan Tracker, and resource alignment through the Pankhudi Portal. The technology-driven platforms enhance transparency, governance, and real-time monitoring of services, enabling outcome-oriented CSR investments.
Corporate and Philanthropic Engagement
H.S.H. Prince Max von und zu Liechtenstein of LGT Venture Philanthropy highlighted the need for catalytic capital and long-term systems strengthening in early childhood. Vedanta Ltd. showcased its Nand Ghar initiative, modernising 12,000 Anganwadi Centres across 17 states, integrating early learning, nutrition services, and women’s empowerment. Senior representatives from Zerodha, NTPC, HDFC, ONGC, Tata Steel, Aditya Birla Group, Hyundai, Reliance Industries, and Apollo Hospitals committed to large-scale, structured CSR interventions aligned with Ministry guidelines.
Building a Sustainable National Framework
The workshop emphasised formalised commitments with clearly designated responsibilities to ensure sustained impact. By integrating policy vision, CSR resources, governance reforms, and Jan Bhagidari, the Ministry aims to reinforce the foundation of a healthier, empowered generation while advancing women-led development and India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Ajeet Kumar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
