CCEA approves continuation of ICDS programme in Eleventh Plan

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today gave its approval for continuation of the ongoing Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme during the Eleventh Plan period, with a total plan allocation of Rs 44,400 crore.

With this, the total number of 'Anganwadi' Centres will increase to 14 lakhs, Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal told reporters here while briefing on the CCEA decisions.

Regarding the provision of hot cooked meals in all the 'Anganwadi' Centres under ICDS, Mr Sibal said the government has decided to constitute a Group of Ministers to lookinto the issue. The GoM will give its recommendations after holding consultations with State Governments.

The programme of ICDS was launched in 1975 seeking to provide an integrated package of services in a convergent manner for the holistic development of the child. The programme promotes child survival and development through an integrated approach for converging basic services for improved child care, early stimulation and learning, improved enrollment and retention, health and nutrition and water and environmental sanitation. It also provides increased opportunities for according children their rights.

The scheme aims to improve the nutritional and health status of vulnerable groups, including pre-school children, pregnant women and nursing mothers through providing a package of services, including supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check up, referral services and nutrition and health education.

The scheme envisages effective convergence of inter-sectoral services in the 'Anganwadi' centres.

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