Diageo India to Upgrade 50 Anganwadi Centres Across Coastal Andhra Pradesh

22 June 2026, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh: DIAGEO India (United Spirits Limited), one of India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies, is working with the Andhra Pradesh District Administration to implement a comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programme across 50 Anganwadi Centres over the next two years in U. Kothapalli, Mandal, Kakinada districts. The partnership was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 19 June 2026.

The programme was launched in the presence of Shri Pawan Kalyan, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who joined Sri M N Harendhira Prasad, IAS, District Collector, Kakinada, senior leaders from DIAGEO India and Tarq Foundation to lay the foundation stone for the first Anganwadi Centre under the initiative.

Supported by implementation partner Tarq Foundation, the initiative aims to strengthen critical early childhood infrastructure by improving sanitation facilities, access to safe water, child safety measures, storage facilities and climate-resilient infrastructure across coastal communities. The programme is expected to create safer, cleaner and more child-friendly environments that support the health, nutrition, learning and well-being of young children while strengthening service delivery for Anganwadi workers and caregivers.

Sri M N Harendhira Prasad IAS , District Collector, Kakinada, said: "Anganwadi Centres are at the heart of our efforts to improve early childhood development outcomes and strengthen community well-being. This partnership will help create safer, more hygienic and better-equipped centres for children and caregivers. We appreciate DIAGEO India's commitment to supporting Andhra Pradesh's development through meaningful and sustainable community interventions."

Devashish Dasgupta, Director, Corporate Relations at Diageo India (USL), said: “Creating shared value for communities is central to our Spirit of Progress agenda. We are proud to partner with the Kakinada District Administration and Tarq Foundation to strengthen Anganwadi infrastructure and improve access to safe, child-friendly and hygienic spaces. By investing in the well-being of children and families, we hope to contribute to stronger foundations for learning, health and development across the region."

Manoviraj Singh, Founding Partner, Tarq Foundation, said: "Strong communities are built on strong institutions, and Anganwadi Centres are among the most important institutions supporting children in their formative years. Through this partnership, we aim to create resilient, functional and child-friendly centres that enhance hygiene, safety and early learning outcomes. We are honoured to work alongside DIAGEO India and the Kakinada District Administration in delivering lasting impact for children and families."

About Tarq Foundation:

Tarq Foundation is India’s first not-for-profit organisation focused on engineering Corporate Social Returns through systems-led design and execution. Working across critical and underserved geographies, the Foundation translates corporate CSR intent into structured, measurable outcomes aligned with community needs and national priorities. 
For more information, visit: www.tarqfoundation.org

About Diageo India (USL):

Diageo India is among India’s leading beverage alcohol (alcobev) companies with an outstanding portfolio of premium brands. A subsidiary of Diageo Plc., it is listed in India on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as United Spirits Limited (USL).

Headquartered in Bengaluru, Diageo India has one of the largest manufacturing footprints in alcobev with 35 facilities across India. It manufactures, sells, and distributes Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan and Godawan, an artisanal single malt whisky from India, bringing together global expertise and local pride to deliver innovative, world-class products and experiences to consumers. With a strong focus on driving a positive impact on society, Diageo India has been working on collective action to improve livelihoods, championing Grain to Glass sustainability, responsible consumption and nurturing the alcobev ecosystem, to contribute to India’s growth agenda.

For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com.

Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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