Question : ANGANWADI CENTRES

(a) the number of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) likely to be opened during the 12th Five Year Plan in urban/rural/backward tribal areas of the country, State-wise including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Karnataka;

(b) whether the Government proposes to open AWCs with funding from donors and other organizations and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether electrification of these AWCs through renewable energy sources, especially Solar PV modules has been considered;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to implement any energy based enterprises or activities like STD booths, computers, internet, etc. in these AWCs in order to boost employment and accessibility in the rural areas; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to Part (a), (b),(c),(d)&(e) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 279 for 15.3.2013 by Shri K. Jayaprakash Hegde and Shri M.I. Shanavas regarding ‘Anganwadi Centres’

(a): The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme was universalized in 2008-09 across the country with the approval of 7076 ICDS Projects and 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). Against approved 14 lakh AWCs, 13.72 lakh AWCs have been sanctioned to various States/UTs. These will continue in the 12th Five Year Plan and States/UTs can demand new centres as per the guidelines of the scheme.

Out of 13.72 lakh AWCs sanctioned, as on 31.1.2013, a total of 13.31 lakh AWCs have been operationalised with a target of 13.40 lakh AWCs to be opeationalized by 31.3.2013. A statement indicating number of ICDS Projects/AWCs sanctioned and operational, as on 31.1.2013, including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Karnataka, is at ‘Annex-I’.

(b): No, presently there is no such proposal.

(c): This has not been considered at the Central level. Construction, management and running of AWCs is primarily the responsibility of the States/UTs. States may consider such innovation.

(d) &(e): There is no such proposal.