ICDS Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by states/UTs. It
was launched on 2nd October 1975.

• It has following objectives:
  • Improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age-group
    0-6 years; 
  • Reduce mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout; 
  • Promote policy coordination and implementation for promoting child
    development; 
  • Lay adequate foundation for psychological, physical and social wellbeing of children etc.
• Under the scheme, services such as
  • Supplementary nutrition;
  • Pre-school non-formal education;
  • Nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-ups; and
  • Referral services through Anganwadi Centres for children below 6
    years of age as well as to pregnant women and lactating mothers are
    offered.

There are sub-schemes under Umbrella Scheme Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Sub Schemes

• Anganwadi Services (ICDS)
  • It aims at holistic development of children under the age of six years and its beneficiaries are children of this age group and Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers.
• Scheme for Adolescent Girls
  • It is to facilitate, educate and empower Adolescent Girls so as to enable them to become self-reliant and aware citizens through promoting awareness about health, hygiene, nutrition, mainstreaming out of school AGs into formal/non formal education and providing information/guidance about existing
    public services.
• Child Protection Services
  • It is to provide safe and secure environment for children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection, 
  • Prevent actions that lead to abuse, neglect, exploitation,abandonment and separation of children from families etc.
  • National Creche Scheme
• It aims at providing a safe place for mothers to leave their children while they are at work.