(a) whether the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme has achieved its objectives;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) whether a large number of pregnant women and lactating mothers in India do not receive health check-ups under ICDS Scheme;
(e) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(f) the corrective steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) to (c): The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India
with the objectives to(i) improve the nutritional and health status of pre-school children in the age-group of 0-6 years; ii) lay
the foundation of proper psychological development of the child; iii) reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition
and school drop-out; iv) achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote
child development; and to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child
through proper nutrition and health education. These objectives are sought to be achieved through a package of six services
comprising (i) supplementary nutrition (ii) immunization, (iii) health check-up, (iv) referral services,(v) pre-school non-formal
education and (vi) nutrition and health education. Health services mentioned at (ii), (iii) and (iv) above are provided by the
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. ICDS scheme is implemented by the State Governments/UT Administrations.
Over the years, the ICDS Scheme has registered significant progress in terms of increase in number of operational
projects, Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and coverage of beneficiaries. As compared to 2.99 lakh operational AWCs during Xth Plan, during XI
Plan (as on 30.9.2011) 4.44 lakh new AWCs/ mini-AWCs have become operational. Number of beneficiaries for supplementary nutrition has
increased from 705.43 lakh at the end of X Plan to 950.35 lakh during XI Plan (as on 30.9.2011). Number of beneficiaries
(children 3-6 years) for pre-school education increased from 300.81 lakhs at the end of Xth Plan to 379.41 lakh during XIth plan
(as on 30.9.2011). The number of pregnant and lactating mothers beneficiaries increased from 123.58 lakhs at the end of Xth Plan
to 179.51 lakhs during XIth plan (as on 30.9.2011). The above is an indication of the acceptability of the Scheme and its outreach.
(d) to (f): As mentioned above, health check up of pregnant women under ICDS is serviced by Health & Family Welfare Departmenrt
under Reproductive & Child Health/NRHM programme. As per the District Level Health Survey-3, 49.8% mothers (44.1% rural and 69.1% urban)
had three or more ANC and 75.2% mothers (70.6% rural and 87.1% urban) received any ante-natal check up.
In addition, under the NRHM, Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is being implemented with the objective of reducing
maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries among poor pregnant women. In 2010-11, there were 113.39 lakhs
beneficiaries under JSY. A new programme Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojna (JSSK) has been launched on 1.6.2011 to provide completely free
and cash less services to pregnant women and sick new born in Government health institutions in both rural and urban areas.