(a) whether India has largest Integrated Child Development Scheme programmes in the World which aims at freeing children from all forms of exploitations etc.;
(b) if so, the details of the programmes;
(c) whether the targets have been achieved; and
(d) if not, the steps taken by the Government and to utilize the funds under Integrated
Child Development Scheme as per the Supreme Court orders?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KANTI SINGH)
(a)&(b) The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme aims at holistic development of children
(0-6 years) and pregnant & lactating mothers from disadvantaged sections by providing a package of services
comprising supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up, referral services, pre-school non-formal
education and nutrition & health education. Currently, the Scheme is sanctioned in 5652 Projects across the
country, out of which 5274 Projects have become operational as on 31.8.2004 providing services to about 456.11
lakh beneficiaries, comprising of about 379.94 lakh children (0-6 years) and about 76.17 lakh pregnant and
lactating mothers through a network of about 6.74 lakh Anganwadi Centres.
(c)&(d) The Supreme Court, vide its order dated 29.4.2004, directed the States/UTs, inter-alia, that all
sanctioned Anganwadi Centres be made fully operational by 30.6.2004. In its further order dated 7.10.2004,
the Supreme Court has reiterated that all sanctioned Projects/Centres should be made fully operational.
The Government of India has impressed upon State Governments to operationalise all sanctioned Projects
and Centres as per directions of the Supreme Court.