(a) the criteria adopted by the Government for opening of anganwadi centres under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme;
(b) whether the Government proposes to set up upcoming anganwadi centres under the ICDS Scheme on the basis of distance instead of population; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI MANEKA SANJAY GANDHI)
(a) Under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, an Anganwadi Centre (AWC) can be opened on the basis of population norms as per following details:-
For Rural/Urban Projects
Population 400-800 - 1 AWC
800-1600 - 2 AWCs
1600-2400 - 3 AWCs
Thereafter in multiples of 800 - 1 AWC
For Mini-AWC
Population 150-400 - 1 Mini-AWC
For Tribal /Riverine/Desert, Hilly and other difficult areas/ Projects
Population 300-800 - 1 AWC
For Mini-AWC
Population 150-300 - 1 Mini-AWC
There is also a provision for opening of an AWC on demand in habitations where child population is not less than 40 having no AWC.
Based on population norms, States/UTs submit their proposals for opening of new Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) which are assessed and sanctioned by this Ministry.
Under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, 14 lakh AWCs have been approved. All the approved AWCs have been sanctioned to the States/UTs.
(b)&(c) No Madam.
****