Infrastructure

Transforming Learning Spaces

The Construction & Infrastructure component addresses the critical need for adequate physical infrastructure at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) across Meghalaya. Many existing AWCs operate in buildings that are either structurally compromised, lack basic amenities, or are too small to accommodate the growing number of beneficiaries. Additionally, several villages remain uncovered without any AWC facility, leaving children without access to early childhood development services.

This component leverages a unique convergence model between ADB funding (for materials) and MGNREGA (for labor), ensuring cost optimization while promoting community ownership through Village Employment Councils (VECs). The upgradation and construction works incorporate child-friendly design principles including BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) concepts and Disaster Risk Resilient (DRE) construction practices, transforming AWCs into stimulating early learning environments.

AWC Upgradation

The AWC Upgradation intervention focuses on improving physical infrastructure of 2,148 existing Anganwadi Centres. The scope includes structural repairs, addition of rooms where space permits, installation of child-friendly features, BaLA implementation, and provision of basic amenities.

Materials are procured through ADB funding via block-level competitive bidding, while labor is funded through MGNREGA and executed by Village Employment Councils (VECs). The workflow spans Assessment & Survey, Procurement & Supplier Onboarding, Supply & Delivery of Materials, and Monitoring & Reporting. Each upgrade is tailored to local conditions, incorporating child-friendly design principles that transform centres into stimulating early learning environments.

• Structural repairs and room additions where space permits
• Child-friendly features and BaLA implementation
• Basic amenities including functional toilets and water supply
• ADB-funded materials with MGNREGA labor convergence

New AWC Construction

The New Construction intervention covers 588 AWCs comprising 288 condemned buildings requiring complete replacement and 300 new AWCs in uncovered villages, ensuring every child in Meghalaya has access to early childhood development services.

This intervention follows a similar workflow structure as AWC Upgradation but with additional steps for land identification, design approval, and complete construction from foundation. New AWCs incorporate all design standards including BaLA concepts, DRE practices, and child-friendly amenities from the ground up, creating purpose-built learning environments that set the standard for quality early childhood infrastructure.

• 288 condemned AWC buildings for complete replacement
• 300 new AWCs in previously uncovered villages
• Land identification and design approval process
• Full BaLA and DRE standards from foundation

Cluster Learning Lab (CLL)

Model centres established across clusters serving as training hubs and demonstration spaces for surrounding Anganwadi Centres, promoting knowledge sharing and best practice adoption through the hub-and-spoke model.

Each CLL is positioned as the epicenter of a cluster's quality improvement efforts. CLLs mentor nearby centres through regular visits, organize peer learning exchanges, host trainings for Anganwadi workers, and demonstrate BaLA concepts and child-friendly design. Equipped with resource libraries, technology infrastructure including video conferencing systems, and trained facilitators, CLLs support a cascading model of knowledge transfer from demonstration centres to grassroots implementation across all districts.

• Training hub infrastructure development
• Mentoring and peer learning networks
• Resource and knowledge centre setup
• Quality standards documentation and sharing

ADB-MGNREGA Convergence Model

A unique convergence model where ADB funding covers materials procurement through block-level competitive bidding, while MGNREGA provides labor through Village Employment Councils (VECs), ensuring cost optimization and community ownership.

The convergence model represents an innovative approach to large-scale infrastructure development. ADB Loan financing covers quality construction materials procured through competitive bidding processes, while MGNREGA convergence funds community labor, creating employment opportunities and building ownership. Village Employment Councils manage on-ground execution, ensuring community participation at every stage. This dual-funding approach maximizes resource efficiency while embedding infrastructure projects within community governance structures.

• ADB funding for materials through competitive bidding
• MGNREGA convergence for community labor
• Village Employment Council (VEC) execution
• Cost optimization with community ownership