The ICDS scheme is sponsored by -

<p> ICDS programme: Integrated Child Development Services was staed in 1975 in pursuance of national policy for children. Sponsored by Ministry of social welfare. There is a strong nutrition component in this programne in the form of supplementary nutrition , vitamin A prophylaxis and iron and folic acid distribution. Beneficiaries are preschool children below 6 years, adolescent girls 11-18 years, pregnant and lactating mothers. The states and union territories are encouraged to take ICDS projects on central pattern to cover more beneficiaries. The workers at the village level who deliver the services are called Anganwadi workers. Each Anganwadi unit covers a population of 1000. A network of Mahila Mandals has been built up in ICDS project areas to help Anganwadi workers in providing health and nutrition services. Field supervision done by Child Development Project officer. {Reference: Park&;s textbook of community medicine 23 rd edition, pg 661}