Started by the Government of India in 1975, Anganwadis have, over the years, laid the foundation for psycho-social and physical development of children. Catering to nearly 80 million children across the country, currently a network of 1.4 million anganwadis provides a range of services for maternal and child health including preschool non-formal education, immunization and other health related awareness. However, the program has faced certain challenges particularly on the infrastructure side and lacked facilities and proper equipment.

Aiming to address these issues, Prakash Jyantilal Chauhan Foundation is focusing on strengthening Anganwadis across India. In its pilot phase falling under the Integrated Child Development Scheme of the Government of India, the foundation has setup Anganwadis in its mango pulp sourcing areas of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu; which is also where the first Anganwadi in India was set-up. The foundation will facilitate repairs, beautification and strengthening of the infrastructure by creating a child-friendly environment along with providing safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. To encourage holistic development in children, the foundation will also provide play equipment and educational material that will enhance the sensory motor skills and cognitive skills of the children.

Anganwadi workers are the most important functionaries working at the grassroot level. To instill enthusiasm and confidence in them, the foundation in its second phase will initiate specialized training for Anganwadi staff. This training will provide a pedagogical approach to ensure holistic development of children at the Anganwadis.

The Foundation will also install Reverse Osmosis (RO) machines to provide clean drinking water at these Anganwadis and nearby areas, thereby providing safe and clean water to people.

Shri Prakash Jyantilal Chauhan, Chairman, Parle Agro  is directly working with local Government authorities in these districts to enhance and equip Anganwadis Centers and ensure substantial reforms are implemented.