Model Question and Answers for APSC | Discuss the main features of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Midday Meal Scheme (MDM). Mention challenges in implementation and suggest reforms. (APSC 2011)

Ans : Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme is one of the flagship programmes of the Government of India and represents one of the world’s largest and unique programmes for early childhood care and development.
The ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services, viz.
1. Supplementary Nutrition
2. Pre-school non-formal education
3. Nutrition & health education
4. Immunisation
5. Health check-up and
6. Referral services
Main Features of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
1. It is the foremost symbol of a country's commitment to its children and nursing mothers, as a response to the challenge of providing pre-school non-formal education on one hand and breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition, morbidity, reduced learning capacity and mortality on the other.

2. The beneficiaries under the Scheme are children in the age group of 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the agegroup 0-6 years;
to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child;
to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout;
to achieve effective coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and
to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.