(a) whether the Government proposes to open Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under Integrated Child
Development Scheme(ICDS) by taking into account the distance instead of population;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor;
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(e) the reformative steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI KRISHNA TIRATH)
(a) to (e): In compliance with the Supreme Court’s Order of 29.04.2004 in WP No. 196/2001
PUCL Vs. UOI, for increasing the number of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) to cover 14 lakh
habitations across the country, the population norms for setting up of Anganwadi Centres under
the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme were revised, so as to cover the
hitherto uncovered villages/habitations in the country. For universalization of the ICDS
Scheme, population norms were revised as per the details given below:
Pre-revised Revised
Anganwadi Centres(AWCs) Angnawadi Centres(AWCs)
For Rural/Urban Projects For Rural/Urban Projects Population Population
500-1500 – 1 AWC 400-800 - 1 AWC 800-1600 - 2 AWCs 1600-2400 - 3 AWCs Thereafter, in multiples of 800 one AWC
Mini-AWC Mini-AWC
150-500 – 1 Mini-AWC 150-400 - 1 Mini-AWC
For Tribal Projects For Tribal/Riverine/Desert/Hilly and other difficult areas/Projects
Population Population
300-1500 – 1 AWC 300-800 - 1 AWC 150-300 - 1 Mini-AWC 150-300 - 1 Mini-AWC