Anganwadi Workers as a Mediator in delivering Services to Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers with special reference to ICDS: Study of Two Blocks of Ludhiana District of Punjab

Abstract The ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) scheme is one of the flagship programs of the government of India and is one of the largest and most unique early childhood care and development programs in the world. It symbolizes the nation’s greatest commitment to children, pregnant women and nursing mothers. ICDS was launched on 2 October 1975 on the 106th birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. Initially 33 ICDS projects were launched across India in which urban, rural and tribal areas were included. It is a national children’s program under the Ministry of Women and Child Development of India. It provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-up, referral services to beneficiaries under 6 years of age, pregnant women and lactating mothers. It focuses on health and nutrition education for women aged 15-45 and adolescents up to 18 years. Children aged 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers are eligible to avail the services available under ICDS. ICDS is based on some objectives such as: improving the nutritional and health status of children aged 0-6 years, laying the right foundation for the child’s psychological, physical and social development, reducing the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropouts, achieving effective coordination of policy formulation and implementation across departments for child development, and enhancing mother’s ability to meet the general health and nutritional needs of their children through proper nutrition and health education. This research paper emphasizes on the role and responsibilities performed by an Anganwadi worker in delivering their responsibilities towards the pregnant women and lactating mothers as per ICDS guidelines. This paper will bring into light whether Anganwadi workers are able to perform their responsibilities towards pregnant women and lactating mothers as per ICDS in guiding them about their health, health check-ups, referral services, immunization, nutrition education etc. Keywords: ICDS, Anganwadi workers, health, responsibilities, roles etc.