A significant progress in the implementation of ICDS Scheme during the last 3 years has been registered, both in terms of increase in number of operational projects and Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and coverage of beneficiaries.
During a period of two and half years i.e. from 31.3.2004 to 30.9.2006, the number of beneficiaries for Supplementary Nutrition have increased from 415.09 lakh to 654.18 lakh. Similarly, the number of children (3-6 years) attending Anganwadi Centres for pre-school education has increased from 204.38 lakh to 271.28 lakh during the period.
The ICDS Scheme has already been expanded twice in 2005-06 and 2006-07. During the 1st phase of expansion the Scheme was expanded to cover 466 additional Projects and 1.88 lakh Anganwadi Centres across the country, during 2005-06.
The Government approved in December, 2006, 2nd phase of expansion of the Scheme for 173 additional Projects, 107274 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and 25961 mini Anganwadi Centre. Administrative sanctions for 166 additional Projects, 106726 Anganwadi Centres and 25943 mini anganwadi centers have since been issued to all States /UTs Administrations to cover the uncovered population/areas.
Alongside gradual expansion of the Scheme, there has also been a significant increase in the budgetary allocation for ICDS (General), during the last three years. The allocation has increased from Rs. 1675.97 crore in 2003-04 to Rs. 1837.44 crore followed by Rs. 3610.30 crore, Rs. 4454.52 crore and Rs. 5204.00 crore for the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively.
Financial norms for supplementary nutritional under the ICDS Scheme, fixed in 1991, were revised in October, 2004. Existing financial norms have been doubled. Till 2004-05, States were responsible for providing supplementary nutrition as per nutritional and financial norms of the Scheme out of States own resources. It was also decided that from the year 2005-06 the Government of India would provide central assistance to States/UTs for supplementary nutrition also to the extent of 50% of the actual expenditure incurred or 50% of the cost norms, whichever is less. Grant-in-aid for supplementary nutrition, accordingly, is being released since the financial year 2005-06.
Hitherto doubts persisted that supplementary nutrition under the Scheme is confined to beneficiaries hailing from low income (BPL) family. In super session of all previous instructions in this regard it has been clarified that supplementary nutrition is not be confined to beneficiaries of BPL families.
In recognition of the significant services being provided by the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AWWs/AWHs), who are the critical grassroots-level functionaries in the ICDS set up, the honoraria being paid to them has been almost doubled with effect from 1st April, 2002. Anganwadi Workers and Helpers have also been allowed paid absence on maternity for a period of 135 days.
In line with the aim of the Government to provide risk coverage for workers in the unorganized sector, a benefit has been extended to Anganwadi Workers and helpers through an insurance scheme under the Life Insurance Corporation’s Social Security Group Scheme called the Anganwadi Karyakartri Bima Yojana.
NCJ/DT
(Release ID :28552)