The Mizoram government’s Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SELCO Foundation to strengthen infrastructure and improve service delivery at 300 Anganwadi Centres across the state. The agreement was signed in the presence of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Lalrinpuii.
The partnership aims to integrate sustainable energy solutions into the operations of Anganwadi Centres, promoting safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for children’s growth and development. Minister Lalrinpuii emphasized the state government’s commitment to ensuring access to such environments and expressed hope that the initiative would improve both infrastructure and service delivery while enhancing support for women and children across Mizoram.
The solarisation of 300 Anganwadi Centres is expected to be a significant milestone for the department, providing long-term benefits through the use of renewable energy. Commissioner and Secretary Lalzarmawii highlighted the importance of renewable energy, while Director of Women and Child Development Zoramthangi Chhangte called on district and block-level officials to closely monitor the functioning of Anganwadi Centres and support their workers.
The two-year collaboration aims to strengthen early childhood development, nutrition, and health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The initiative will use decentralised renewable energy solutions and infrastructure development support to make Anganwadi Centres more functional, energy-efficient, and better equipped to deliver services. The solarisation of all 300 centres is targeted for completion by December 2026.
As part of the project, local capacity building will be prioritised to ensure long-term sustainability. Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and government officials will receive training on the operation and maintenance of the new systems. Ten Saksham Anganwadi Centres will also be upgraded as demonstration centres to showcase best practices and serve as learning hubs for the wider network.
The partnership is seen as an important step towards strengthening community institutions, and the SELCO Foundation is committed to supporting the state government in its efforts to improve the lives of women and children in Mizoram.
