[pib] Cabinet approves enhancement of various initiatives under ICDS Scheme

Note4Students

Mains Paper3: Governance | Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

The following things are important from UPSC perspective:

Prelims: AWHs and ICDS

Mains level: Not Much

News

Context

• The CCEA has approved enhancement of honorarium to Anganwadi Workers/Anganwadi Helpers (AWWs/AWHs)and performance linked incentive to AWHs [Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme].
• Nearly 27 lakh AWWs/AWHs will be benefitted by the approval.

Details of the approval

1. The proposals approved consist of the following:

2. In addition, monthly performance linked incentive of Rs.250/- has also been approved for Anganwadi Helpers for facilitating proper functioning of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).

Impact

1. The programme through targeted interventions will strive to reduce the level of malnutrition, anemia and low birth weight babies.
2. It will ensure empowerment of adolescent girls, provide protection to the children who are in conflict with law, provide safe place for day-care to children of working mothers, create synergy.
3. It will further ensure better monitoring, encourage States/UTs to perform, guide and supervise line Ministries and States/UTs to achieve the targeted goals and bring more transparency.

Back2Basics

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

1. Launched in 1975, ICDS is an programme which provides food, preschool education, and primary healthcare to children under 6 years of age and their mothers.
2. These services are provided from Anganwadi centres established mainly in rural areas and staffed with frontline workers.
3. In addition to fighting malnutrition and ill health, the programme is also intended to combat gender inequality by providing girls the same resources as boys.