In India, which of the following ministries has the overall responsibility of monitoring the 'Integrated Child Development Services' (ICDS) scheme?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer:
✅ (b) Ministry of Women and Child Development
Explanation:
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at improving the nutritional and health status of children below 6 years, pregnant and lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
It is monitored and implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) at the central level.
Objectives of ICDS Scheme:
1. Improve Nutrition & Health of Children (0-6 years)
· Reduce child malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality.
2. Early Childhood Care & Development
· Provide preschool education through Anganwadi centers.
3. Improve Maternal Health
· Support pregnant and lactating mothers with supplementary nutrition.
4. Reduce School Dropout Rates
· Promote education and nutrition for adolescent girls.
5. Strengthen Public Health Awareness
· Provide immunization, health check-ups, and nutrition counseling.
Key Features of ICDS:
· Anganwadi Centres (AWCs): These act as community-based centers for nutrition, health, and preschool education.
· Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP): Provides nutritious food to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
· Health & Immunization Services: Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
· Early Childhood Education: Basic preschool education is provided to children aged 3-6 years.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect?
❌ (a) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
· The Ministry of Agriculture deals with farmers' welfare, crop production, and agricultural policies, not child welfare or nutrition programs.
❌ (c) Ministry of Ayush
· The Ministry of Ayush focuses on alternative medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy.
· It does not oversee child development programs.
❌ (d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
· This ministry is responsible for welfare schemes for tribal populations but does not directly manage ICDS, which is focused on child nutrition and maternal care at a national level.
Conclusion:
The ICDS scheme is implemented and monitored by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD). It plays a crucial role in reducing child malnutrition, promoting early childhood education, and supporting maternal health in India.
Thus, the correct answer is (b) Ministry of Women and Child Development. ✅