The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was launched in India on 2 October, 1975 with 33 projects all over the country. In the state of Delhi, first ICDS project was launched in Jama Masjid, a milestone project. The Govt. of India has sanctioned 95 projects for the state of Delhi since 1975-76 with 11150 Anganwadi Centres.

Objectives of the scheme are as under:-

• to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years.

• to lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child.

• to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout.

• to achieve effective co-ordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development, and

• to enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutrition and health education.