Aizawl: The Mizoram government’s Social Welfare, Women and Child Development (SWW&CD) Department on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SELCO Foundation to strengthen infrastructure and improve service delivery at 300 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across the state.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Minister Lalrinpuii. The MoU was signed by SWW&CD Commissioner and Secretary Lalzarmawii and SELCO Foundation Senior Project Manager Lalnuntluanga.
Speaking at the programme, Lalrinpuii said the state government is committed to ensuring that children have access to safe, inclusive and supportive environments that promote their growth and development. She said the partnership with the SELCO Foundation would strengthen Anganwadi Centres by integrating sustainable energy solutions into their operations.
The minister also urged Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) and Circle Officers (COs) to conduct more field visits and maintain regular monitoring of Anganwadi Centres. She expressed hope that the initiative would improve both infrastructure and service delivery while enhancing support for women and children across Mizoram. Describing the collaboration as an important step towards strengthening community institutions, she welcomed the partnership with the foundation.
Commissioner and Secretary Lalzarmawii said the solarisation of 300 Anganwadi Centres would be a significant milestone for the department. She highlighted the importance of renewable energy and expressed confidence that the partnership would provide long-term benefits.
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. She said the solarisation project would be a major achievement in improving the centres.
Addressing the gathering, SELCO Foundation Project Manager Laltanpuia said the initiative would use decentralised renewable energy solutions and infrastructure development support to make Anganwadi Centres more functional, energy-efficient and better equipped to deliver services. He said the solarisation of all 300 centres is targeted for completion by December 2026 and is expected to improve health, nutrition and early childhood education services for women and children across the state.
The two-year collaboration aims to strengthen early childhood development, nutrition and health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas where Anganwadi Centres play a critical role in community service delivery.
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.
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