India’s flagship Integrated Child Development Services has completed 50 years since its launch in 1975, prompting renewed evaluation of its impact as a lifeline for child nutrition, early learning andmaternal health
What it is?
- ICDS isIndia’s largest early childhood care and nutrition programme, providing a package of health, nutrition and pre-school services through Anganwadi Centres to children (0–6 years), pregnant women and lactating mothers.
History:
- Launched on2 October 1975in two pilot blocks—Dharani (Amravati)andDharavi (Mumbai)—as a centrally sponsored scheme to combatchildhood malnutrition and mortality.
- Over five decades, it has expanded nationwide, becoming one of the world’s largest community-based child development initiatives, with nearly14 lakh Anganwadi Centres
Aim:
- Improve nutritional and health status of children (0–6 years).
- Lay foundation for psychological, physical and social development.
- Reducechild morality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropouts.
- Ensure inter-departmental coordination for holistic child development.
- Empower mothers through nutrition and health education.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
