|
 The ICDS is the single largest integrated nationwide programme for the delivery of early childhood care and education services in India. For every population of 1000, an Anganwadi Centre staffed with an Anganwadi Worker and Helper is expected to provide a package of services, including health and nutrition education, vitamin and iron supplements, supplementary food, immunization, health check-ups, referral services, and non-formal pre-school education to 0-6 year olds, pregnant and nursing women and adolescent girls residing in those communities. Its integrated approach to child development was not only considered pioneering at the time of its inception in 1975, but continues to be very relevant in the context of contemporary knowledge in this area. Structural and operational issues have, unfortunately, continued to plague the ICDS and its poor performance across many states has been extensively documented. Instead of arguing for the discontinuation or diversion of resources away from an ailing programme, however, these criticisms have been pulled together in productive frameworks directed at achieving focused improvements in the coverage and quality of the ICDS. The recent writings on “universalisation with quality” and the FOCUS Report are important contributions in this regard. Moreover, increasing budgetary allocations and greater pressure through the appointment of Commissioners of the Supreme Court with respect to the Right to Food have created a policy environment conducive to renewed and concerted efforts to drive reform and innovation in the ICDS.
|
