ICDS coverage increases, more AWCs, beneficiaries

New Delhi, Jun 12 (UNI) Despite criticism over the quality of supplementary nutrition being provided under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, significant progress has been achieved in ICDS implementation during the past three years as the number of operational projects, Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and beneficiaries have increased.

During a period of two and half years, from March 2004 to September 2006, the number of beneficiaries for Supplementary Nutrition have increased from 415.09 lakh to 654.18 lakh. Similarly, the number of children (in the age group of 3-6 years) attending Anganwadi Centres for pre-school education has increased from 204.38 lakh to 271.28 lakh during the period.

The ICDS Scheme has already been expanded twice in 2005-06 and 2006-07. During the first phase of expansion in 2005-06, the Scheme was expanded to cover 466 additional Projects and 1.88 lakh Anganwadi Centres across the country.

The Government approved in December, 2006 the second phase of expansion of the Scheme for 173 additional projects, 107274 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) and 25961 mini anganwadi centres.

Administrative sanctions for 166 additional Projects, 106726 Anganwadi Centres and 25943 mini anganwadi centres have since been issued to all States /UTs Administrations to cover the uncovered population/areas.

Alongside gradual expansion of the Scheme, there has also been a significant increase in the budgetary allocation for ICDS (General), during the last three years. The allocation has increased from Rs.

1675.97 crore in 2003-04 to Rs 1837.44 crore followed by Rs 3610.30 crore, Rs 4454.52 crore and Rs 5204.00 crore for the years 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 respectively.

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