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In the presence of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, an MoU was signed with Anil Agarwal Foundation of Vedanta Group to develop 25 thousand Anganwadi centers in the state as Nand Ghar.

Key Points:

=> On behalf of the state government, Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Shreya Guha and on behalf of Anil Agarwal Foundation, Nand Ghar Chief Executive Officer Ritu Jhingan signed the MoU.

=> Under this MoU, Anil Agarwal Foundation will develop 25,000 Nand Ghars in the state by spending about Rs 750 crore (Rs 3 lakh per Anganwadi).

=> The Chief Minister said that this would improve the infrastructure of these centers as well as provide quality education, nutrition and health services. This will also help in further reducing maternal and child mortality.

=> He said that the State Government was continuously strengthening the maternal and child health services in the State. As a result of this, now about 95 percent of the deliveries have started being institutionalized.

=> It is noteworthy that giving top priority to the health of women and girl child, the state government has started 'Udaan Yojana' for distribution of free sanitary napkins. Sanitary napkins are being provided to women and adolescent girls till village-Dhani through this scheme, started at a cost of about Rs.200 crore.

=> Women and Child Development Minister Mamta Bhupesh said that Anganwadi centers have an important role in terms of nutrition and health services for pregnant women, maternities and children. Developing these centers as Nand Ghar will help in the development of basic facilities in the Anganwadi centers of the state.

=> Shreya Guha, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, said that there are about 62,000 Anganwadi centers operating in the state, in which 6 types of services are being provided.

=> More than 1300 Anganwadi centers have been developed as Nand Ghar in 13 districts.

By: ASRAF UDDIN AHMED