Under the Schematic norms of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, Government of India is responsible for the Programme Planning and State/UT Governments are responsible for the implementation of the Programme. States usually adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Women of Child Development in Government of India. Some of the issues in which guidelines have not been adhered fully relates to: operationalization of Anganwadi centres & population norms; vacancies at different levels; issues relating to manner of delivery and non-adherence to cost norms, nutritional norms and not achieving 300 days in providing Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) etc. Besides, many states are not utilizing norm based funds for components such as Pre School Education kits, Medicine kits, flexi fund and other components of programme fully and their progress has been uneven. The Minister of Women & Child Development Smt. Krishna Tirath revealed this in Lok Sabha today in written reply to a question.
The Minister further stated that the additionally, there is a facility for providing foodgrains (Wheat/Rice/Coarse grains) under Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) to the States/UTs. Under this, foodgrains are allocated to States/UTs at BPL rates for use in various menus of Supplementary Nutrition under the ICDS Scheme and to cushion the inflation/market price in foodgrains. As per available information, during the current year, 27 States/UTs are availing of foodgrains under the WBNP. The States/UTs which are not availing foodgrains under the Programme are Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh Administration, Lakshadweep, UT Administration of Daman & Diu and Puduchery.
The Minister also stated that Implementation of ICDS Scheme is monitored through prescribed monthly & annual progress reports, reviews, as well as, supervision visits etc. Food samples are also collected by the field unit of Food & Nutrition Board (FNB) for quality assessment. Based on the inputs and feedback received, State Governments/ UT Administrations are addressed through letters and review meetings to address the deficiencies and work towards better implementation of the Scheme. Further, in order to improve the implementation of ICDS Scheme, Government has recently set up a 5-tier monitoring & review mechanism at National, State, District, Block and Anganwadi Levels and has issued the guidelines on 31.03.2011.
Source; - http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=78341