The revelation of the Indian government’s reply to a recent Right to Information (RTI) query has highlighted some concerning facts. According to the reply, out of every 100 beneficiaries of Anganwadi services across the nation, a measly seven hail from urban zones. Several reasons contribute to this dearth of beneficiaries in cities, with the primary one being a shortage of Anganwadi centers in these regions. This glaring fact castes light on the subpar reach of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) in India’s urban geography.
About Anganwadi Centers
Anganwadis, also known as day-care centers, are established under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme—a centrally sponsored initiative. The responsibility of executing this scheme falls on the Ministry of Women and Child Development. A total of six services—supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, immunisation, nutrition and health education, and referral services—are offered by Anganwadi centers. These centers are instrumental in reducing child malnutrition and infant mortality rates hence their importance cannot be overstated. The primary beneficiaries of these services are children aged between zero to six years and pregnant or lactating women.
The Present Situation: Beneficiary Statistics
As of September 30, 2019, the total count of Anganwadi scheme beneficiaries stood at 7.95 crores. Yet, a disproportionately small fraction of these—approximately 55 lakhs—were registered at urban centers.
The Shortfall of Anganwadi Centers in Urban Localities
Statistics indicate a significant shortage of Anganwadi centers in urban areas. With around 13.79 lakh centers operating across India, only about 1.09 lakh are located in cities. Notably, among these, merely 9.31 lakh centers are connected to the government’s web-enabled data entry system known as the Rapid Reporting System. The remaining majority—8.22 lakh centers—are situated in rural areas.
Potential for Greater Coverage by the Scheme
Recent surveys further underscore the need for more effective coverage by the ICDS program. Findings from the National Nutrition Survey 2016-18 reveal that 35% of children under five were stunted while 17% were wasted. Additionally, the survey found a prevalent issue of stunting (affecting 22%) and thinness (affecting 23%) amongst children aged 5-9. More alarming was the situation in urban regions where the prevalence rate of obesity in children was found to be two to three times higher than in rural counterparts.
Steps Being Undertaken
Positive changes are in the pipeline, with the NITI Aayog actively drafting a proposal aimed at fortifying the ICDS program in urban areas. The draft addresses urban-specific challenges such as population density, migration, and long commutes endured by workers and beneficiaries. The objective is to enhance the reach of ICDS services amidst India’s rapidly urbanising populace.
