PEO Study No.120

The Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of India, launched in October, 1975 a total of 33 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Projects (19 rural, 10 tribal and 4 urban) with the specific objectives of improving the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-5+ years, reducing the incidence of mortality, morbidity, mal-nutrition and school drop-out and enhancing the capability of the mother to take care of the health and nutritional needs of the Child. The Planning Commission sanctioned 67 additional projects which started functioning during 1978-79. The components of the ICDS scheme were supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check-up, referral services, nutrition and health education, nonformal education and functional literacy. Supply of drinking water was considered as a supportive service. The scheme was administered by the Ministry of Social Welfare at the Centre and the Department of Social Welfare in the states. Each project was under the charge of a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). The Anganwadi in each village, manned by the Anganwadi worker (AWW) and helper, was the focal point of the delivery of services. The health services under the Scheme were provided through the Primary Health Centre (PHC) and sub-centres for which augmentation of the health staff was to be made. The Block Development Officer (BDO) was entrusted with the overall responsibility of the ICDS. Co-ordination Committees at the district, block and village levels were envisaged to be formed for the smooth implementation of the programme.