The scheme is mainly focused on reducing infant and child mortality and improving maternal health outcomes. Since malnutrition is closely linked to all of these MDGs, the interventions under the ICDS programme are expected to contribute towards achievement of each of these long-term outcomes. Despite several achievements that the ICDS scheme has witnessed during its three decades of implementation, there remain some major challenges with regard to child malnutrition.

Working in the direction, effective convergence has been established with the Health department for efficacious implementation of health related ICDS activities at the AWCs. Further, the preschool component at AWCs is being implemented by effective tie-ups with NGOs and creation of HUBs as vibrant early childhood care and education (ECCE) centres. The pre-school education kit is being provided and efforts are being made to make the centers child friendly.

With the advent of challenge of universalization in 2008-09, there have been surmountable efforts to expand the coverage of ICDS projects. By the end of third phase of expansion, the number of ICDS projects has increased from 29 to 95, which comprises of 10897 functional AWCs of the sanctioned 11150 AWCs. (Figures are as per data recd. till Nov., 2013)

As an innovative step for improved services the Delhi Government has approved an alternative Plan Scheme of ‘Model Anganwadi cum HUB Centres.’ The WCD department has initiated 8 models Anganwadi cum HUB centers in the northeast district of Delhi. With some success achieved 5 more HUB centers have been established in other parts of Delhi. These HUB centers and Anganwadis act as a resource center for 10 AWCs each. These HUBs also have model Anganwadis. With this system in place in some districts in the initial phase, the department aims to improve the quality of ICDS services specially pertaining to growth monitoring, support to pregnant/nursing women, immunization and early child care education. It is felt that the model AW cum HUB would also act as a catalyst in upgrading the overall skills of the Anganwadi workers thereby improving the quality of services being provided in general.

Further, in view of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s direction, the department has introduced a new system for supply of supplementary nutrition in AWCs by involvement of NPOs as facilitators in the distribution of cooked food through SHGs/Mahila Mandals w.e.f 1.7.2006. Till Nov. 2013, 23 NPOs have been engaged under this system.

Although progress is reflected in many spheres, still the areas of concern as pointed out in many evaluation studies provide us pointers to improve upon. Despite a clear reduction in the infant mortality rate from 37 per thousand live births in 2006 (SRS) to 22 in 2011 (CRS) against the national average of 44 in 2011, the high rates of anemia among children, women, etc. are the areas which need focused attention and concerted efforts for improvement.