Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme was launched with the objectives (i) to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group 0-6 years;(ii) to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child; (iii) to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout; (iv) to achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and (v) to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education. In order to achieve these objectives, a package of six services namely  (i) supplementary nutrition (SNP), (ii)   immunization, (iii) health check-up, (iv) referral services, (v) pre-school non-formal education and vi) nutrition & health education are provided.Three of the six services namely Immunization, Health Check-up and Referral Services are delivered through Public Health Infrastructure under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

The Government of India is continuously assessing the progress/ achievements made by the States/ UTs under various services/ components of ICDS Scheme through prescribed monthly & annual progress reports, reviews, as well as, supervision visits etc. 

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is a Centrally sponsored Scheme implemented by States/UTs across the country.  The responsibility for implementation of ICDS Programme including computerization if any and providing supplementary nutrition under its and management thereof rests with States/UTs.  The complaints received in respect of misuse/ irregularities/ lapses/ deficiency in implementation of ICDS Programme and in providing SNP under ICDS Scheme are forwarded to concerned States/UTs for taking appropriate action.  Complaints which are serious in nature, report from State Governments/UT Administrations is sought.  During the last three years and the current year, complaints regarding misuse/ irregularities/ lapses/ deficiency in implementation of ICDS Programme and in providing SNP under ICDS Scheme received from the States/UTs of UP (68), Rajasthan (18), Bihar (20), Maharashtra (05), Chhattisgarh (01), Delhi (09), Haryana (04), Jharkhand (05), Madhya Pradesh (09), Orissa (09), Assam (03), A&N Island (02), Andhra Pradesh (01),Kerala (01).

The complaints of such irregularities are forwarded to the concerned State Governments for remedial action.  During review meetings, the States/UTs are also requested for improving all services under ICDS Scheme including Supplementary Nutrition Programme.  The Government of India has introduced five tier monitoring & supervision mechanism at National, State, District, Block and Anganwadi level and issued guidelines on 31.03.2011 for better implementation of ICDS Scheme including SNP.

Utilization of funds is monitored through the quarterly Statement of Expenditure submitted by the States/ UTs. Any unspent balance is adjusted in the next quarter. Every year Utilization Certificate is also submitted by the States/ UTs certifying utilization of funds released for intended purpose.

Whenever any shortcomings are noticed during the course of visits to the States, they are addressed through letters and review meetings to remove the deficiencies and to improve the implementation of the Scheme.

Strengthening and Restructuring of ICDS is also a step in this direction for improving the delivery system of SNP.