Vedanta Foundation Implements Vedanta Bal Shakti Project To Help 1 Lakh Children In Karnataka

By Author: Rajendra Mistry
Total Articles: 6
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Vedanta through its Foundation begins implementation of the Vedanta Bal Shakti Project aimed at helping over 1 lakh children in Karnataka

- Programme to supplement the ICDS programme across 2635 Anganwadi centres in Chickballapur District, Bangalore

- Programme to benefit children in the age group of 1-6 years

18th November 2012, Bangalore: Vedanta through its Foundation today handed out the first set of uniforms, pre-school education material and play material to children who are a part of the ICDS Anganwadi programme being run by the Government of Karnataka. Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dr. Veerappa Moily presided over the function , held in Chickballapur District, on the outskirts of Bangalore. This is in line with the commitment made by Vedanta Group to support the Women & Child Welfare Department’s Anganwadi initiative.
The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the ICDS run Anganwadi programme. The 2635 centres wherein the project has been launched will now become better equipped to prepare the next generation of school goers from Karnataka.
As a part ...
... of its commitment, Vedanta Foundation will make available to these children uniforms, pre-school textbooks, play material etc and also help increase the nutritional value by providing one extra meal a day to anganwadi children.
Speaking at the function Dr. Veerappa Moily, said, “By making available better infrastructure and facilities at the anganwadis we are enabling better future for children from the bottom of the pyramid. It is indeed heartening to see Vedanta Foundation & Sesa Goa come forward to support the vision of a truly healthy & educated India.”
“ICDS run Anganwadi programme is a nodal scheme of the central government. Vedanta Foundation has been at the forefront of supporting various state governments in successful implementation of this scheme. Vedanta Foundation is now helping and supporting the government of Karnataka run 2635 anganwadi centres across Chickballapur and nearby areas and I am sure this initiative will help children across find better footing in the world tomorrow.”
Ms. S Chaamundi, National Project Head, Vedanta Foundation said, “Karnataka as a state occupies a special place within the heart of the Vedanta Community. It is a matter of great pride for us to be associated with this project and hope that our small contribution will help take the anganwadi project to a higher level.”
Vedanta through its Foundation had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Administration of Chickballapur, Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural & Ramnagara Karnataka to adopt and support 2635 Anganwadi Centres.
As per the MoU, Vedanta Foundation will help the district administration of the four districts in filling gaps between needs and resources in service components of ICDS such as nutrition, pre-schooling, capacity building of workers and empowerment of community.
The programme covers 1139 Anganwadi Centres in Chickballapur, 1207 Anganwadi Centres in Bangalore Rural, 222 Anganwadi Centres in Bangalore Urban and 67 Anganwadi Centres in Ramnagara. Over 1,10,000 children in the age group of 1 – 6 years will benefit from the programme.
This programme is in addition to the MoU signed by Vedanta Foundation with Govt of Karnataka to support 2000 schools across 24 Districts of Karnataka for Computer-based education under the aegis of Rashtriya Madhyamika Shikshana Abhiyan.
Vedanta has reached out to 5 lakh children of 14000 anganwadi centres since 2008 through Vedanta Bal Shakti project.
About Vedanta’s Sustainable Development Work
Through 167 formal partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, academic institutions and hospitals, Vedanta through its foundation has reached out to 2.7 million people in 550 villages. The group has invested more than INR 180 Crores in various programmes through 2010 - 11. 10 lakh students have benefited through its computer education programme. More than 22 lakh people are being provided healthcare through hospitals and rural health posts. 2.5 lakh children are provided healthy mid-day meals in schools in partnership with NGOs and Government. Self Help Groups are empowering women through socio-economic independence. More than 35,000 women are currently enrolled in about 2000 SHGs.