Mapping the Contours and Increase in ICDS in 21st Century India & Assessing Performance in Jharkhand

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Jharkhand to enhance policy formulation and improve child development outcomes. The specific objectives include:

• To explore the historical perspective and evolution of the ICDS program towards reform and universalization in 21st-century India.
• To study variations in ICDS implementation across India, focusing specifically on Jharkhand.
• To analyze policy, program implementation, and service delivery variations, including programmatic, institutional, and management reforms in Jharkhand.
• To assess the factors that hinder the quality and efficiency of ICDS services in the state.
• To provide actionable insights and suggestions for enhancing the program’s performance in Jharkhand.

Methodology: The study relies primarily on secondary data analysis, enriched with qualitative insights from stakeholders such as Anganwadi and ASHA workers, government officials (CDPOs, DPOs, ICDS supervisors), and focus group discussions with pregnant and lactating women. These qualitative insights provide deeper perspectives on the challenges and successes of ICDS implementation in Jharkhand. The study employs policy analysis and case studies to assess the overall effectiveness of ICDS in addressing malnutrition, child mortality, and maternal health.

Findings: The study highlights significant variations in the implementation of ICDS across regions, with Jharkhand facing persistent challenges such as high rates of malnutrition and poor service delivery. Factors like inadequate infrastructure, lack of trained staff, and low community participation impede the program’s effectiveness in the state. The integration of recent policy initiatives like Poshan Abhiyaan and the ECCE framework shows potential but requires stronger alignment with local needs.

Recommendations:

• Strengthen training programs for Anganwadi workers and ASHA staff to improve service delivery.
• Enhance community participation through awareness campaigns to boost engagement with ICDS.
• Address infrastructure gaps and ensure timely availability of resources to support program efficiency.
• Improve monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure consistent program performance and quality service delivery in Jharkhand.