(a) whether the Government has taken note of cases of untouchability in Anganwadi
Centres (AWCs) in the country especially in Punjab;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise and the reaction of the Government
thereto; and
(c) the steps taken or proposed by the Government to curb this menace and recurrence
of such incidents in future?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a): Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is a centrally sponsored
scheme being implemented by all the State Governments/UT Administrations, through
Anganwadi Centres, across the country. The scheme aims at holistic development of
children below 6 years of age and pregnant women & lactating mothers by providing a
package of services comprising
(i) Supplementary nutrition
(ii) Pre-school non-formal
education
(iii) Nutrition and health Education
(iv) Immunization
(v) Health check-up and
(vi) Referral services through Anganwadi Centres at grassroots level.
Three services viz. Immunization, Health check-up and Referral services are provided
in convergence with Public Health Systems of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
No case of untouchability in Anganwadi Centres under ICDS Programme from any of the
State/UT has come into the notice of Government.
(b) & (c): Does not arise. The ICDS is universal programme targetted to all the
sections of the society for the children under six years and Pregnant & Lactating
mothers.