(a) whether Maharashtra and other States have requested the Union Government to clear the World Bank funded Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) pending for the last three years with the Planning Commission;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for delay in giving clearance to the projects; and
(c) the time by which the Union Government is likely to clear the same?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY)
(a) to (c): No Madam. Maharashtra and other States have not made any specific request to
the Planning Commission regarding the WB funded ICDS. The Ministry of Women and Child Development
had initiated formulating a project on ICDS for seeking financial assistance from the International
Development Association (IDA). The proposed project is envisaged to focus on systems strengthening
and improving service delivery in ICDS by bringing in necessary technical and managerial support and
nutrition focus in the selected states/districts including some of those in Maharashtra. The
Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has earmarked an amount of USD 450 million for the project.
The in-Principle approval of the Planning Commission for the same has already granted and accordingly
budgetary allocation of Rs.126.00 crore has also been made for 2010-11.