The Mizoram government has signed an MoU with SELCO Foundation to enhance infrastructure and service delivery at 300 Anganwadi Centres across the state.
Aizawl, India Jul 23, 2026 ALN: 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 emphasized that the partnership with the SELCO Foundation would strengthen Anganwadi Centres by integrating sustainable energy solutions into their operations.
The Anganwadi Centres serve as vital community hubs for early childhood education and nutrition, particularly in rural and underserved areas of India. They play a crucial role in the implementation of various government schemes aimed at improving maternal and child health, nutrition, and education. By solarizing these centres, the government aims to enhance the infrastructure that supports these essential services, ensuring that they are more resilient and capable of functioning effectively even in challenging conditions.
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 noted that the solarisation of 300 Anganwadi Centres would be a significant milestone for the department. She highlighted the importance of renewable energy in the context of sustainable development and expressed confidence that the partnership with SELCO Foundation would provide long-term benefits for the communities served by these centres.
Renewable energy, particularly solar power, has been gaining traction in India as a viable alternative to conventional energy sources. The use of solar energy not only reduces dependency on fossil fuels but also minimizes the carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. In the context of Mizoram, where access to reliable electricity can be a challenge, solar energy offers a sustainable solution to power essential services.
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 stated that the solarisation project would be a major achievement in improving the centres, ensuring they are equipped to meet the needs of the communities they serve.
Addressing the gathering, SELCO Foundation Project Manager Laltanpuia explained that the initiative would utilize decentralized 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 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. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Indian government to enhance the quality of services provided to children and mothers, especially in rural regions where access to resources and services can be limited.
As part of the project, local capacity building will be prioritized to ensure long-term sustainability. Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers, and government officials will receive training on the operation and maintenance of the new systems. This aspect of the project is crucial, as it empowers local personnel to manage and sustain the solar installations, ensuring that the benefits of the initiative are realized over the long term.
Furthermore, ten Saksham Anganwadi Centres will be upgraded as demonstration centres to showcase best practices and serve as learning hubs for the wider network. These upgraded centres will not only serve as models for effective implementation but will also provide valuable insights and training opportunities for other Anganwadi Centres in the region, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning.
The collaboration between the Mizoram government and SELCO Foundation represents a significant step towards enhancing the quality of early childhood care and education in the state. By integrating sustainable energy solutions into the operations of Anganwadi Centres, the initiative addresses multiple challenges at once: improving infrastructure, ensuring energy access, and enhancing service delivery for vulnerable populations.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond just the immediate benefits of solar energy. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable development practices in public service delivery. As more states and regions look to integrate renewable energy solutions into their infrastructure, this initiative could serve as a model for similar projects across India, promoting a more sustainable and inclusive approach to development.
In conclusion, the solarisation of 300 Anganwadi Centres in Mizoram, facilitated by the partnership between the SWW&CD Department and SELCO Foundation, is a forward-thinking initiative that aims to enhance the quality of life for women and children in the state. By leveraging renewable energy, the government is taking a proactive approach to ensure that essential services are not only available but also sustainable, paving the way for a brighter future for the next generation.
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