About Us
Our History and Foundation
The foundation of the **CPWD Officers’ Wives Association** was laid in the year **1971** by **Late Mrs. Rachel C. Muthachen**, wife of the then Engineer in Chief Shri. Muthachen. She started the association from her residence. The ladies initially got together, collected cut pieces from the colonies, stitched clothes, and sold them to raise funds for charitable work, such as donating a sewing machine to a driver’s widow.
**Mrs. Gayatri Vaish** took the torch further by starting a **dispensary in a garage**, which was run by an officer’s doctor wife. She continues to inspire and encourage the Association to work with the same zeal.
Since its inception in 1971 as a socio-cultural body, CPWD Officers’ Wives Association has been promoting welfare programs and activities for employees of CPWD and others. The activities of the Association are spread throughout the country.
Organizational Structure
The organisation is headed by the **President**, who is the wife of the incumbent Director General (W), CPWD.
Executive Committee
The **Executive Committee** comprises five vice-presidents, a general secretary, treasurer, and convener. This committee also has five Secretaries to assist in specific activities, a Joint Secretary, a Joint Treasurer, seven Executive members, and up to four co-opted members.
Governing Body and Patron Members
The **Governing Body** guides and advises the executive committee and comprises two past presidents, two past senior members, the President, and the general secretary.
All past presidents are designated as **Patron Members**, who also advise the executive committee on various issues.
Our Main Activities
Our main welfare and socio-cultural activities include:
- School and Day Care
- Vocational Training Centre
- Bal Basera (creche)
- Welfare projects
- Programming
School and Day Care at Hriday Kunj
A **nursery and play school** is run at **Hriday Kunj** for children aged 3 to 6 years. A high standard of education is maintained at a very nominal charge for the benefit of those who cannot afford expensive education. The children passing out of this school are able to seek admission in good senior schools.
Along with the school, the Association runs a **‘Day Care Centre’** at Hriday Kunj for the children of working mothers at a nominal charge. The centre is managed by ayahs and a supervisor under the guidance of the manager, providing a clean and congenial environment.
Vocational Training Centre
The **Vocational Training Centre** operates at the same premises and helps in the training and empowerment of women. Women learn **tailoring and embroidery** here, enabling them to become economically independent.
Bal Basera (Creche)
One of the most important activities is to provide and manage **creches / Bal Basera** at various **construction sites**. Children of construction workers, in the age group of 1 to 7 years, are imparted non-formal education, medical care, and nutrition during working hours.
Welfare Projects and Financial Aid
The Association provides **monetary help** to needy families of Group C and D employees of CPWD across the country. Key initiatives include:
- **Scholarships** awarded on a merit-cum-means basis to needy wards of CPWD employees.
- Adopting girl students through **CASP** by sponsoring their education.
- Donations for humanitarian causes to organizations like Blood Bank, Red Cross, Blind Schools, P.M.’s Relief Fund, CM’s Relief Fund, and CRY (to sponsor the education of 10 children for one year).
- Providing **books and notebooks** to needy children.
- Running a scheme called **‘Parivar Ki Har Beti Apne Bharose’**, which imparts training to female dependents of CPWD Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees.
Social and Cultural Programming
A number of **social and cultural events** are organized regularly. Festivals like **Teej, Holi, and Diwali** are celebrated with great fervour. A **Welfare Exhibition (Fete)** is organized at the end of each year, and cultural programs are part of the **CPWD Day Celebrations** in July every year, promoting a feeling of brotherhood and strengthening ties among CPWD families and staff across India.
Fund Raising
Other means of fund raising for the Association are publishing a **magazine** and getting sponsors for it, and selling flags to various eminent personalities on **Flag Day**. Donations from individuals and organizations are also accepted.