(a) whether the Government propose to upgrade/strengthen Integrated Child Development Schemes (ICDS) in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the number of ICDS Centres proposed to be upgraded/strengthened in the country, particularly in Orissa?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)
(a) to (c) The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development. As per information received from that department, it has been the endeavor of the Government to strengthen ICDS Scheme and make it more effective and result oriented. The steps taken/proposed to be taken in this direction include, provision for improved medicine kits and pre-school learning material for children in Anganwadi Centres; introduction of an innovative and decentralized training programme called `UDISHA`; strengthening of monitoring mechanism; and holding of regular review meetings at high level. The States, being responsible for providing supplementary nutrition have been requested to make upward revision in the financial norms for supplementary nutrition to cover all eligible beneficiaries and adequate contribution from their discretionary component under PMGY for nutrition to children of 0-3 years. These measures apply to all ICDS Centres in the country, including those in Orissa.