Understanding low attendance in anganwadis

Abstract

ICDS was started on 2nd October 1975 to cater to the various issues related to malnutrition among children, developmental needs of young children, lack of education on health and nutrition among nursing mothers, pregnant women and other such related health issues. The scheme is centrally sponsored and has many sub-programs running under it. Anganwadi services are an essential part of the ICDS scheme. The central government bears a significant part of the cost under the ICDS scheme. The cost-sharing ratio, between the state and the central government, varies according to the particular sub-program under ICDS and also according to the particular state in question. For example, the cost sharing ratio in Himachal Pradesh is different from the cost sharing ratio in Maharashtra. The cost of running Anganwadis includes the cost of inputs like rent, honorarium etc. One Anganwadi typically covers a population in 1000 rural / urban areas and 700 in tribal areas. In case, villages are smaller, then there should be an Anganwadi for each of the village, having a population of 300. Smaller villages should be grouped under one Anganwadi, wherever possible. As soon as an Anganwadi project is started in an area, the community members get together to find a place for running the Anganwadi. The local community might provide the place free of rent or charge for the property. The place could be an existing property or could be constructed/renovated. In cases, wherein rent has to be paid or building has be constructed/renovated, the state and central governments, together, pay for the expenses, in the cost-sharing ratio.