Performance of Anganwadi Centres in Kerala : An evaluation and experiment to develop a model centre with community participation

Abstract

The Integral Child Development Scheme (ICDS) with its network of anganwadis covering more than 3000 Community Development Blocks in the country is perhaps the the largest women and child development programme being Implemented anywhere in the world. The scheme is a typical vertical programme drawn up from above and Implemented in a uniform manner throughout the country. The Department of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has drawn up strict guidelines for implementation of the programme. The Central Government also provides funds to departments of social welfare in different States for its administration. A strict system of monitoring progress has also been set up. We shall be briefly discussing some of the key features of the scheme in the subsequent paragraphs.