Integrated Child Development Services (Icds)

Integrated Child Development Services (Icds)

Introduction The project was launched on 2nd October 1975.ICDS is a symbol of uniqueness in the field of early childhood development, and is considered to be World’s largest program. In Tamil Nadu, the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) has 434 Projects with 47,265 Children Centers and 3168 Mini centers, totaling 50,433 centers.

What are the objectives of the scheme? The objectives of the scheme are as follows: a.          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. b.          To ensure Tamilnadu as a malnutrition free state, and to provide the whole life cycle nutrition security program, with a focus on nutrition for the pregnant and lactating mothers, infants, children and adolescent girls c.          To improve the nutritional and health status of the children in the age group of 0 to 6 years d.          To lay the foundation for psychological, physical and social development of the child e.          To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity and malnutrition

What is the assistance provided under this scheme? The following assistance are provided under this scheme: a.          Nutritional program for adolescent girls b.          Supplementary nutrition c.          Nutritional meal d.          Health services e.          Preschool non-formal education f.          Kishore sakthi yojana g.          Information, education and communication activities

Who are the beneficiaries under this scheme? The beneficiaries under this scheme are as follows: a.          Children under the age group of 0 to 72 months b.          Adolescent girls c.          Pregnant women and lactating mothers d.          Old age pensioners

For the year 2010-2011 what is the budget estimated to be allocated for this scheme? For the year 2010-2011 Rs.190 crores has been allocated in the budget for the beneficiaries under this scheme.

How many child centers are there in Tamilnadu? There are 54439 centers are functioning under 434 ICDS projects. Out of which 385 projects are in rural areas, 47 in urban areas and 2 in tribal areas.

Whether any international agencies are involved under this scheme? Yes the three international agencies are involved under this scheme for providing technical assistance for the development of training plans, organizing of Regional workshop, dissemination of best practices etc, namely: a.          United Nations International children’ Emergency fund (UNICEF) b.          Cooperative of assistance and relief everywhere (CARE) c.          World food program (WFP)

What are the criteria for getting project benefits? The criteria for becoming beneficiary are: a.          No application is necessary to get the benefits of the ICDS Services b.          No income criteria is insisted c.          Soon after pregnancy, the mother should register her name in the nearby Child Centre (Anganwadi centre)/Health Sub Centres /Urban Maternity Centre. By this, she will be able to get all ante-natal and Post natal care d.          Nutrition and health services will be provided to all malnourished Children (Anganwadi Centre) irrespective of Caste / Religion

How is the ICDS program monitored and evaluated? The ICDS program throughout the state is monitored and evaluated through the methods such as: a.          Maintenance of attendance registers b.          Monthly progress reports c.          Input, process and impact indicators are taken into consideration d.          Quarterly reports are taken into consideration

Who are the officials to be contacted by the beneficiaries for availing the scheme? The District social welfare officer and extention officers (Social welfare)

Where should the grievance to be addressed? The grievances may be addressed to: 1.          The Director, Tamilnadu State social Welfare Board, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 2.          District Collector 3.          District Social Welfare Officer.