Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

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Performance Audit of Functioning of Anganwadi Centres in Rajasthan (2015-2018)
(CAG of India, 06-03-2020) CAG of India
Anganwadi Centres are the first outpost for delivery of supplementary nutrition, pre-school education and other services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme to children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The objective of the thematic audit was inter alia to assess regular and effective delivery of services by AWCs. Some of the significant audit findings include deficiencies in planning, availability of infrastructure, equipment and manpower and lack of regular supervision. There was shortfall of 35.24 per cent and 41.32 per cent in coverage of targeted eligible beneficiaries for supplementary nutrition and pre-school education respectively. A substantial number (23.30 lakhs) of malnourished children were deprived of additional nutrition. None of the AWCs were able to provide micronutrient fortified supplementary nutrition as the Self Help Groups who supplied food did not have the capacity for fortification. Shortage of critical personnel like CDPOs/ACDPOs (52.47 per cent) and Supervisors (31.68 per cent) and shortage in prescribed trainings also affected various aspects of delivery of the programme. These deficiencies coupled with lack of regular supervision resulted in weaknesses in the delivery of services.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Arunachal Pradesh (2005-10)
(CAG of India, 24-03-2011) CAG of India
The performance audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Arunachal Pradesh for the period 2005-2010 was conducted to ascertain its effectiveness. The performance review revealed that the overall impact of implementation of the scheme was far from satisfactory due to partial implementation of the programme. Programme implementation suffered as there were instances of poor quality and inadequate supply of Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) items. Following are the main audit findings: 1. The excess creation of 54 projects and I 586 AWCs in violation of population norms resulted in excess expenditure of Rs 28.09 crore towards payment of salaries and honorarium of ICDS functionaries. 2. Under Supplementary Nutrition Programme, 86,982 eligible children (42 percent) in 2005-06 and 91,997 children (43 percent) in 2006-07 were left uncovered, The coverage of expectant and nursing mothers declined from 61 per cent in 2005-06 to 47 per cent in 2009-10. 3. Against the actual requirement of funds of Rs 71.50 crore under SNP, Rs 39.37 crore only was released by the State. 4. Nutrition supplement was provided for 5 to 98 days in 2005-06, 18 to 106 days in 2006-07, 22 to 123 days in 2007-08, 30 to 108 days in 2008-09 and 15 to 71 days in 2009-10 against 300 days per year as per guidelines. 5. There was short supply of SNP ration items worth Rs 2.16 crore during 2006-09 in 16 test-checked ICDS projects. 6. Against the target for imparting training to 3844 4 AWWs and 2650 Helpers, training was imparted to only 1260 AWWs (33 percent) and 300 Helpers (11 percent). 7. The Department incurred an extra expenditure of Rs 1.51 crore in procurement of utensils and SNP rations during 2007-08 and 2009-10.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Assam (2009-2014)
(CAG of India, 31-03-2015) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, launched in 1975 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, aims at holistic development of children up to six years of age, adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating mothers by providing a package of services. Apart from this, Government of India (GoI) introduced two more schemes viz., “Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY)” and “Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG)” in the years 2000 and 2002 respectively for implementation using ICDS infrastructure. Both the schemes were subsequently merged (2011) as “Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls SABLA” for improvement of nutritional and health status of adolescent girls in the age group of 11-18 years including up-gradation of their home based vocational skills and self development. The performance audit of these schemes in Assam was conducted covering period 2009-14. The audit revealed the following significant audit findings: 1. ICDS had not been universalised in the State as a number of the AWCs had not been made functional. Many SC/ST, OBC, Minority and Tea Garden areas were yet to be covered under the scheme. 2. Against GoI release of Rs 271.22 crore during 2011-14 for the construction of 15,000 AWCs, the department could complete the construction of 1,770 AWCs only (with an expenditure of Rs 29.21 crore). 3. The facilities provided at the AWCs were highly inadequate. None of the sampled AWCs had kitchens. Very few of them had functional toilets and access to drinking water. 4. There were short releases of State’s matching share of Rs 33.62 crore (2009-14) under ICDS (General) and Rs 15.36 crore (2010-14) under SABLA. 5. Cases of avoidable expenditure (of `8.43 crore) and excess expenditure (of Rs 3.48 crore) on procurement of ICDS materials and PSE kits respectively were noticed. Besides cases of excess payments of Rs 87.70 lakh and Rs 1.31 crore on procurement of ICDS materials and SNP foodstuff respectively were also noticed. 6. During 2010-11, 1.34 lakh beneficiaries under the hill districts of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong were deprived of the intended benefit of supplementary Nutrition (SN) as the funds amounting to Rs 3.72 crore drawn by the directorate were not released. 7. SNP funds amounting to Rs 13.48 crore utilised in emergency for relief purposes remained unrecouped from Revenue Department depriving the benefits under SNP to the intended beneficiaries.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Bihar (2002-2007)
(CAG of India, 2008) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, a central scheme was meant to deliver nutrition, education and health services, to children in the age group up to six years and enhance the capability of mothers through proper nutrition and health education. The implementation of the scheme in the State suffered from several deficiencies such as lack of planning, poor implementation of Supplementary Nutrition Programme, lack of infrastructure in Aganwadi centres (AWCs), failure to provide health check up and referral services. Main audit findings are summarised below: 1. There was no correlation between budget provision and number of functional Anganwadi centres. Budget preparation of the department was not realistic. 2. The GOI sanctioned 80302 AWCs against the requirement of 82833 but 60153 AWCs were operationalised as of July 2007. In test-checked projects, 97 per cent AWCs were running without toilet, drinking water facilities and 43 per cent were functioning in huts. 3. In test-checked CDPOs, rental payment of Rs 2.82 crore was transferred either in the bank accounts of sevikas or advanced to clerks instead of making direct payment to house owners. 4. Against target of 620 AWCs in 13 test-checked districts, only one AWC could be constructed up to August 2007 despite provision of Rs 8.29 crore (April- June 2005) to the District Magistrates. 5. No AWC provided nutritional support beyond 225 days as against requirement of 300 days during 2002-07. There was no evidence of distribution of take home ration. Nutri-candies provided to beneficiaries were found of sub standard quality. 6. Records relating to immunization, health cards, referral services, pre natal and post natal services, growth chart were not maintained at AWCs level. Medicine kits and Pre-school Education Kits were not supplied to AWCs as per ICDS norms. 7. Committees constituted to monitor the programme were non-functional and minutes of meetings and decisions taken were not available. Monitoring was almost negligible and 73 per cent AWCs visited were found closed during joint inspection.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Bihar (2011-2016)
(CAG of India, 27-03-2017) CAG of India
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is India’s response to the challenge of breaking a vicious cycle of malnutrition, impaired development, morbidity and mortality in young children. It responds to the inter-related needs of children below six years, pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls in a comprehensive manner. The performance audit of implementation of this scheme in Bihar for the period 2011-12 to 2015-16 revealed following main findings: 1. Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar (SWD) did not prescribe benchmarks for identification of prevalence of underweight children, anemia in case of pregnant/lactating women and Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Rate in Bihar. Therefore, the output of implementation of ICDS in the State could not be gauged. 2. Hon’ble Supreme court (SC) directed that each habitation should have a functional Anganwadi centre and ICDS should be extended to all children upto the age of six years and all pregnant and lactating mothers. Despitethe orders, ICDS scheme was extended to only 44 to 46 per cent of eligible children, 55 to 58 per cent of eligible pregnant/lactating mothers and 10 to 20 per cent of adolescent girls as SWD failed to furnish specific requirement of AWCs in the State to Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India (MoWCD). 3. Perspective plan for the mission period was not prepared, whereas Annual Plans were prepared at State level without any inputs from Districts/Projects offices/Anganwadi Centers. The Department did not maintain the data on malnourished children. As a result, existing gaps prevailing in programme implementation such as prevalence of underweight/malnourished children, number of children out of preschool education, cases of anemia etc. were not assessed in any of the Annual Plans. 4. The Department could not spend the released funds fully in any of the years from 2011 to 2016 due to delayed release of funds by ICDS Directorate. Consequently, Government of India (GoI) did not release its subsequent share during fourth quarter of 2013-14 and 2015-16 under ICDS (General). Besides, Directorate had submitted incorrect Statement of Expenditure and Utilisation Certificates to GoI resulting in reporting of Rs14.50 crore as expenditure though the amount remained in the bank account. 5. There were only 84,098 Rural Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) against 1,12,272 Panchayat Wards in 503 rural project offices of Bihar leaving 28,174 (25 per cent) Wards in rural areas without any AWCs. Further, 21,366 AWCs and 1675 mini AWCs sanctioned by GoI in November 2014 were not operationalised as on March 2016 as SWD had not identified the population belonging to Schedule Caste (SC)/Schedule Tribes (ST)/Minorities which was a pre-requisite for opening the AWCs. 6. Out of functional 86,752 AWCs in the State, only 24,515 AWCs (28 per cent) were running in Government buildings while remaining 62,237 AWCs were running from either rented houses or from places like Panchayat office, community hall, open places etc. The test-checked 585 AWCs lacked facilities like toilet, drinking water, indoor/outdoor activities, sufficient utensils for preparation and serving of food. Despite availability of funds for construction and upgradation of AWC buildings, the Department did not finalise the budget head for drawals of funds till 2014-15. Therefore released funds could not be drawn from treasury. As a result of delayed finalisation of budget head, the Department could not utilise the funds released by GoI during 2013-15 for construction of 2,915 AWCs and upgradation of 4,405 AWCs. 7. Supplementary Nutrition Programme was not provided for targeted 300 days in any of the 585 test-checked AWCs. The prescribed checks to ensure specified standards and quality/ nutrition value of supplementary nutrition were not carried out by Food and Nutrition Board in the State. Besides, hygiene and safety could not be ensured as kitchen and safe water facility was available in only 29,495 (34 per cent) and 29,643 (34 per cent) of AWCs respectively out of functional 86,752 AWCs. Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) to ensure the availability of foodgrains at cheaper rates was not implemented in all AWCs of the State. Medicine kits/Preschool kits were not available in any of the test-checked AWCs. Data on Immunisation was not maintained at any level in ICDS. Severely malnourished children were not referred to PHC/Hospital. 8. Government of Bihar did not constitute State Mission Steering Group and State Empowered Programme Committee for monitoring ICDS. Bihar Integrated Child Development Society was constituted for overseeing child development and nutrition system in December 2015 only. However, the Governing body for the Society is yet to be constituted (August 2016). As meetings of the monitoring committees in the State and in eight test-checked districts were not convened so far (August 2016), the monitoring of the scheme was inadequate.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Chhattisgarh (2005-10)
(CAG of India, 28-03-2011) CAG of India
The performance review of implementation of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Chhattisgarh for the Period 2005-06 to 2009-10 revealed that all the eligible beneficiaries could not be covered under the scheme due to inadequate surveys, improper planning, non-availability of adequate project staff and lack of monitoring and supervision. Serious deficiencies were noticed in implementation of other components of the scheme such as referral services and growth monitoring. Implementation of the scheme also got affected due to poor infrastructural facilities such as non-availability of buildings for Anganwadi centres, drinking water and toilets. There were considerable delays in completion of Anganwadi centre buildings. Mani audit findings are summarised below: 1. Funds released for Supplementary Nutrition ranging between Rs 15.11 crore and Rs 132.61 crore remained unutilised due to inadequate surveys and improper assessment of eligible beneficiaries. 2. Inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries for the Supplementary Nutrition Programme resulted in avoidable expenditure of Rs 11.07 crore. 3. Issue of rice without verification of available stock and non-reconciliation of stock position led to accumulation of 2045.13 MT rice with the agencies in six test-checked projects. 4. Government of India funds amounting to Rs 5.96 crore for diarrhoea, deworming and skin diseases of children remained unutilised due to non supply of medicine kits to the Anganwadi centres. 5. Even after 35 years of implementation of the scheme, the infant mortality rate remained at 57 per 1000 live births as against the all India figure of 53. Similarly, the percentage of malnourished children stood at 51.31 as compared to the national percentage of 42.50. 6. Funds amounting to E 42.74 lakh for developing learning attitudes and values for emotional and mental preparation of children before primary education remained unutilised due to non-procurement of preschool education kits. 7. There were considerable delays, ranging from three to eight years in construction of Anganwadi Centres.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Chhattisgarh (2014-2019)
(CAG of India, 30-07-2021) CAG of India
Performance audit of implementation of ICDS scheme revealed that supplementary nutrition was not provided to 30.72 lakh children (out of 135.42 lakh) of the age group of 0-6 years and 3.81 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers (out of 26.13 lakh) during the period 2014-15 to 2018-2019. There was a gradual decline in the actual number of beneficiaries of the scheme over the years during the audit period. Aadhaar seeding of both beneficiaries and Anganwadi workers/ helpers was not yet fully achieved, despite sanction of funds by the GoI. Department was not able to ensure quality of meals as envisaged in the scheme guidelines, due to delays in sending the samples or non-receipt of Ready to Eat (RTE) food packet’s test reports from the laboratories, and deviation in the tolerance limits in nutritional value from National Food Security Act (NFSA) standards. Early Childhood Care and Education curriculum was implemented with delay of more than two years and medicine kits for Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) were not procured. Availability of infrastructure and equipment in AWCs was deficient vis-à-vis norms and lack of basic facilities, such as drinking water, toilet, playing area, store room, ramp, electricity, cooking and feeding utensils, equipment for cooking, essential drugs and material for monitoring health severely constrained the functioning of the AWCs. Only 37,407 AWCs were operating from dedicated buildings with delays in completing the construction of buildings of 5,915 AWCs and non-use of 1,487 AWC buildings due to dilapidated conditions and long distance from the habitations. Monitoring of AWCs was poor as was evident from acute shortfall in field visits by Child Development Project Officers and Supervisors.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Gujarat (2006-2011)
(CAG of India, 2012) CAG of India
The Government of India (GOI) launched (1975) the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to promote holistic development of children, expectant and lactating mothers and adolescent girls through package services comprising supplementary nutrition, immunization, health checkups, nutrition and health education and informal pre-school education of children. The performance audit of implementation of ICDS in Gujarat for the period 2006-2011 revealed following deficiencies: 1. Against the requirements of 75,480 Angan Wadi Centres (AWCs), 52,137 (69 per cent) AWCs were sanctioned and 50,225 AWCs were in operation in the State thereby a population of 1.87 crore was deprived of the benefits of ICDS. Though GoI directed (November 2008) State Government to submit proposal for additional projects based on revised population criteria, no proposal was forwarded by the State Government. 2. In the 123 projects in eight test checked districts, basic amenities (building, safe drinking water and toilets) were not available in nine per cent to 40 per cent of the AWCs. Out of 3,333 AWCs proposed to be constructed from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) loan, only 1,979 AWCs were constructed. 3. Though there were 223.16 lakh eligible beneficiaries under Supplementary Nutrition programme, 63.37 lakh beneficiaries were left out. As against the target of 300 nutrition days annually, shortfall in providing supplementary nutrition was up to 96 days. Every third child in the State was reported as underweight. Shortfall of 27 per cent to 48 per cent was noticed in the implementation of Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls. 4. Records regarding immunization programme were not available with AWCs. Though funds for purchase of the medical kits were provided, the same were not purchased by the District Development Officers (DDOs). 5. Of the 34.28 lakh children registered in the AWCs of selected districts, only 26.94 lakh children enrolled for pre-school education. There was shortfall in supply of pre-school kits. The tri-cycles procured for kids in the test checked district was of poor quality. 6. As against the sanctioned strength of 54 Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs)/ Assistant CDPOs (ACDPOs) and 220 supervisors in selected projects, shortage of 20 CDPOs/ ACDPOs (37 per cent) and 19 Supervisors (nine per cent) was noticed. Shortfall up to 52 percent and 50 percent in field visits of CDPOs and Supervisors respectively was also noticed in test checked districts during 2007-12. Also, in 320 selected AWCs, there was shortfall up to 26 per cent visits of Anganwadi workers to households and there was negligible implementation of Information, Education and Communication component.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Haryana (2005-2010)
(CAG of India, 04-03-2011) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a Centrally sponsored scheme, was launched in 197576 with the main objective of improving the nutritional standard and health status of children in the age group of zero to six years and to enhance the capability of mothers to look after the health of their children. Performance audit of the scheme in Haryana for the Period 2005-2010, brought out deficiencies in its implementation. Coverage of children and women beneficiaries under various components of the scheme was inadequate. About 44 per cent of the children in the age group of zero to six years were malnourished at the end of 2009-10. Huge funds were drawn in advance of requirement and were kept in bank accounts. About one fifth of the targeted Anganwadi buildings were not constructed despite availability of funds. Facilities such as drinking water and toilets were not available in 73 and 57 per cent Anganwadi Centres respectively. Non-testing of food to check adequate micronutrients, non-maintenance of records of referral services, etc. also indicated deficient implementation of the scheme.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Jharkhand (2005-2010)
(CAG of India, 29-08-2011) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a Centrally sponsored scheme, was launched in the State with a view to improve the nutritional and health status ofchildren in the age group ofup to sixyears and to enhance the capability of mothers, through proper nutrition and health education, for looking after the normal health and nutritional needs of children. The implementation of the scheme suffered in Jharkhand due to deficient fund management, lack of infrastructure in Anganwadi centres, irregular and inadequate nutritional value of supplementary nutrition and failure to provide health check-ups and referral services. Following are the main audit findings: 1. During 2005-10, the department failed to utilise funds allotted for the scheme. The amount of unspent funds ranged between Rs 15.11 crore and Rs 63.36 crore. 2. Abstract Contingent bills amounting to Rs 446.32 crore were drawn under the Supplementary Nutrition Programme against which Detailed Contingent bills of Rs 293.53 crore only were submitted. 3. District Social Welfare Officers and Child Development Project Officers advanced Rs 32.01 crore and booked the same as final expenditure. 4. Beneficiaries were provided supplementary nutrition of lesser value than the norms prescribed. 5. Pre-natal and post-natal cards were not issued to mothers by the Anganwadi centres and no records of visits by Anganwadi Workers to mothers after delivery were maintained. 6. Despite allocation of funds of z 9.44 crore, the department failed to purchase medicine kits and pre-school kits during 2005-10. 7. Against the 23 Anganwadi Training Centres and one Middle Level Training Centre sanctioned, only 15 Anganwadi Training Centres were functional as of March 2010.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Kerala (2006-2011)
(CAG of India, 19-03-2013) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services launched in 1975 in India aims at holistic development of children up to six years ofage, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers by providing a package of services like supplementary nutrition, immunisation, health check up, nutrition and health education, etc. This performance review of the implementation of the scheme in Kerala for the period 2006-07 to 2010-11 revealed deficiencies in the implementation of the scheme such as delay in release offunds for scheme implementation, failure to cover the entire targeted population, etc., thereby defeating the basic objectives of the Scheme. Contrary to Government of India guidelines, Take Home Food delivered to children between six months and three years in the State was not fortified with micro-nutrients. The main audit findings are given below: 1. The department was not preparing any long term perspective plan. In the absence of the plan, there were deficiencies in creation of new AWCs and insufficiencies in the delivery of services to beneficiaries in various components in ICDS. 2. There was a shortage of 8,619 Anganwadi Centres (21 per cent) in the State. Fourteen additional Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), sanctioned in 2005 by GOI, were yet to be operationalized. 3. Many functional AWCs in the test checked ICDS projects were functioning in rented premises and lacked basic infrastructure facilities like safe drinking water, toilets, etc. 4. The percentage of child population who were not immunized against Polio and DPT in Palakkad and Malappuram districts were respectively 36 and 31. 5. The objective of universalization of Supplementary Nutrition Programme was not achieved as 56 to 66 per cent of the identified beneficiaries were not covered under the Scheme. 6. The percentage of malnourished children below the age of six years in the State ranged between 27 and 39. Test check of records in Idukki, Malappuram, Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram districts indicated that 110 out of 1180 children who died during 2011-12, were severely malnourished. 7. GOI guidelines stipulating periodical weighment of child beneficiaries under Supplementary Nutrition Programme to assess their nutritional status was not adhered to during 2007-12. 8. Take Home Ration (THR) valued at % 257.38 crore was purchased from an agency which did not possess the mandatory BIS certification. It was also noticed that an amount of z 22.44 crore was overcharged by the supplier. In a number of cases, test results of the samples of the product were stated to be not satisfactory.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Madhya Pradesh (2011-2016)
(CAG of India, 24-03-2017) CAG of India
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is India’s response to the challenge of breaking a vicious cycle of malnutrition, impaired development, morbidity and mortality in young children. Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under ICDS is primarily designed to bridge the gap between the recommendatory dietary allowance and average daily intake. Every beneficiary of SNP is provided supplementary nutrition (SN) for 300 days in a year, which is supplied by the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) in the form of cooked meals and Take Home Ration (THR). In Madhya Pradesh, Rs 5012.17 crore was incurred on implementation of SNP during 2011-12 to 2015-16. A performance audit of the implementation of ICDS (Supplementary Nutrition Programme) in Madhya Pradesh during the period 2011-16 revealed the following: 1. Financial Management: State Government provided allocated food grains to District Programme Officers (DPOs) through Madhya Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation (MPSCSC) for release under SNP. Audit scrutiny revealed that DPOs did not adhere to Central Issue Price (CIP) of wheat and rice and payments were made to MPSCSC at higher rates. This resulted in excess payment of Rs 40.87 crore to MPSCSC during 2012-13 to 2014-15. Further, unreconciled advance of Rs 13.81 crore was lying with MPSCSC on account of short lifted food grains by DPOs. 2. Madhya Pradesh State Agro Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (MP Agro), which was the agency for supply of THR packets, utilised excess wheat and rice as compared to quantity of food grains required for THR packets actually supplied by it. Department did not reconcile the reasons for excess utilised food grains, which resulted in undue financial benefits of Rs 15.57 crore to MP Agro. 3. Short coverage of beneficiary: ICDS was to be extended to all children upto the age of six years and all pregnant and lactating mothers. During 2011-16, 20.94 lakh registered children in the age group of six months to three years, 57.02 lakh registered children in age group of three years to six years and 7.99 lakh registered pregnant and lactating mothers were not provided SN. The shortfall was due to deficient infrastructure at AWCs, preparation of less quantity of SN or at times no supply of SN and long distances of AWCs, which acted as disincentives to enrolled beneficiaries affecting their attendance at AWCs. 4. Disruption in delivery of services: In 14 test-checked Project Offices, SN was not supplied during various months (ranged from one day to 120 days) during 2011-12 to 2015-16 in 983 AWCs having 37,079 registered beneficiaries. 5. Distribution of cooked meal: There was a shortfall of 24432.05 MT wheat and 3592.06 MT rice in distribution to Self Help Groups (SHGs) engaged in preparation of cooked meal during year 2011-16, which affected the distribution of cooked meal to beneficiaries. 6. Shortage of AWCs in the State: There was shortage of 18604 AWCs and 3400 Mini-AWCs in the State as of March 2016 as per population norms laid down by Government of India. Out of total 61755 villages/wards in the State, 11156 villages/wards covering 53.84 lakh population were without AWCs. GOI sanctioned 4305 (November 2014), however, these AWCs were not opened. 7. Growth monitoring and nutritional status of children: As per National Family Health Survey (2015-16), there were 9.2 per cent of severely malnourished children in the State. Thus, State could not achieve target for reducing severely malnourished children from 12.6 per cent to 5 per cent. Similarly, State was lagging behind the targets set for reducing percentage of underweight children and under-5 mortality rate. 8. Monitoring of the scheme: Meeting of State Level Monitoring and Review Committee was not held. Monitoring and Review Committee was not constituted at District and Block level for proper monitoring and supervision.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Manipur (2011-2016)
(CAG of India, 21-07-2017) CAG of India
Implementation of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme in Manipur suffered from lack of adequate infrastructure and logistic support even after four decades of its launch. Lack of basic amenities and necessary infrastructure in many centers affected the quality of service delivery. Capacity building of human resource at various levels was affected as the stipulated trainings were not conducted resulting in the projects being manned without trained staff in many cases. Interruption in the service delivery and non-availability of adequate kits and equipment compromised the scheme implementation. Community mobilization, Information Education Communication (IEC), convergence with other line departments, monitoring and supervision and quality control were not taken up as envisaged thereby affecting the effectiveness of the scheme. Weakness in financial management and non-maintenance of accounting records resulted in leakage and unaccounted funds.
Performance Audit of integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Meghalaya (2003-2008)
(CAG of India, 2009) CAG of India
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, launched in 1975-76 by the GOI aimed at improving the nutritional and health standard of children in the age group up to six years of age and enhancing the capability of mothers to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of their children. Performance audit of implementation of this scheme in Meghalaya revealed that the State was able to achieve the envisaged objectives only to a limited extent. Performance review of the scheme revealed shortfall in implementing various components of the scheme. Though the quantity of the foodstuff provided was as per the norms, the nutritive value of the food was not ensured. Health check-up was not provided to the desired extent and inadequate infrastructure and lack of supervision further affected the working of anganwadis. Some highlights of this performance audit are as presented below: 1. The Department failed to provide supplementary nutrition to 40 to 83 thousand children of 0-6 years age during 2003-08. 2. In the ICDS Project, Rongram, poor quality of milk powder and ready to eat food was distributed to 4,081 children and 736 pregnant/ lactating mothers, thereby adversely affecting their health. 3. There was a shortfall in administering different vaccines to the children and women. 4. The Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls was not implemented by the Department despite the release of Rs. 49.36 lakh by the GOI. 5. There was a shortfall in coverage of rural children and mothers by the anganwadi centres by 13 per cent. 6. Around 4.48 lakh rural populace of the State were deprived of the benefit of anganwadi centres due to non-construction of 1,492 centres.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Mizoram (2008-2013)
(CAG of India, 09-07-2014) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 2nd October 1975, in pursuance of the National Policy for the Children, 1974. The policy laid down that the State shall provide adequate services to children before and after the birth and during the period of growth to ensure their full physical, mental and social development. Thus, the scheme aimed at holistic development of children in the age group of zero to six years and pregnant and lactating mothers through a package of six services. This performance audit of implementation of ICDS in Mizoram was conducted to assess the efficiency, economy and effectiveness in implementation of the various components of ICDS. Audit Objectives: The objective of this performance audit were to assess and evaluate whether: (i) Proper planning was done to meet the principal aim of universal accessibility of services provided under it; (ii) Funds allocated and released were used economically and efficiently; (iii) Infrastructure facilities were adequately provided in Anganwadi Centres for effective delivery of services; (iv) The Scheme of Supplementary Nutrition was being implemented effectively so as to achieve the objective of improving the nutritional and health status of beneficiaries; (v) The services of Pre-School, non-formal education were being provided effectively so as to reduce the incidence of school drop out; (vi) Deployment and training of manpower under the scheme was adequate for effective delivery of services; (vii) Health care related services were provided to the beneficiaries under the scheme; (viii) Information, Education and Communication (IEC) was effective and resulted in community mobilisation in the services of ICDS, and (ix) The system of Monitoring and Evaluation was in pace and was effective.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Nagaland (2001-2006)
(CAG of India, 2007) CAG of India
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, was launched in Nagaland in 1975. The ICDS scheme is also linked with nutrition component of Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) launched during 2000-01 as 100 per cent Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with the objective of achieving sustainable human development at the village level. The PMGY envisaged an Additional Central Assistance (ACA) for various components of Basic Minimum Services including nutrition. The nutrition component of the PMGY had been specifically outlined with the objective of eradicating malnutrition amongst children below three years by supplementary feeding. In addition, the State is also implementing World Bank assisted ICDS training programme-Project UDISHA since April 1999 with a view to create awareness of ICDS activities to the various groups such as Village Council Members, Gaon Burahs and Women Organizations and to train the community as a whole to optimize their involvement in the scheme activities. CAG of India reviewed the implementation of ICDS in Nagaland covering the period 2001-02 to 2005-06 by undertaking test check of records in three out of 11 districts by applying the method of Probability Proportional to Size With Replacement. Anganwadi Centres in the sample districts were selected by using the method of Simple Random Sampling Without Replacement (SRSWR). Out of total expenditure of Rs.86.89 crore during 2001-02 to 2005-06, Rs. 54.50 crore (63 per cent) was covered in the Performance Audit. Audit Objectives: The main objectives of the performance audit were to examine • the method for identification of the target group; • the plan drawn up to achieve scheme objectives; • the survey for identification of malnourished children, pregnant and nursing mothers and other women in the 15-45 age group years; • the adequacy of training provided to the ICDS functionaries; and • the effectiveness of monitoring, evaluation and assessment of the scheme. The performance audit revealed the following main findings: As of March 2006, only 79 percent tribal population of the State could be covered under the ICDS scheme. 16 per cent children of the State in the under six years age group were yet to be covered under the scheme. The nutritional content of the foodstuff provided to the beneficiaries was not regularly tested in the recognized testing laboratory. Implementation of other components of the scheme such as immunisation, nutrition and health education, medical check-up and referral services as well as prevention of vitamin ‘A’ deficiency were virtually non-existent. The Government had entrusted the Nagaland University to conduct evaluation study of the scheme but no report was submitted by the University as of October 2006.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Odisha (2001-2006)
(CAG of India, 2007) CAG of India
The “Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme” is a Central Plan scheme meant for delivery of health services, nutrition and education to children in the age group of 0-6 years and expectant and lactating mothers. The implementation of the scheme in the State for the period 2001-06 suffered from several deficiencies such as inadequate planning, loss of central assistance due to low spending, non-operation of required number of Anganwadi Centres (AWCs), large scale vacancies in the posts of ICDS functionaries, lack of proper accommodation and basic amenities in AWCs. Besides, nutritional support could not be provided to all eligible beneficiaries due to inadequate budget provision. The prevalence of severe mal-nourishment among children persisted at around five per cent throughout the period during 2001-06 despite intervention through different packages of the scheme. Against the budget provision of Rs 607.03 crore for the period 2001-06 under the Central Plan, savings amounted to Rs 132.16 crore. Failure in utilising these GOI funds led to loss of central assistance of Rs 35.48 crore during the period. Out of the budget provision of Rs 337.23 crore for the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) under State Plan during 2001-06, the savings amounted to Rs 90.57 crore. The annul savings ranged from one to 43 per cent. Against the requirement of 40297 AWCs, 37480 AWCs were sanctioned for the State. However, only 34201 AWCs were actually functioning and of these drinking water facilities were not available in 21847 AWCs (64 per cent) and toilet facilities were almost non-existent in any of the AWCs. Out of an annual average of 33.12 lakh beneficiaries required to be covered under the supplementary nutrition programme, the coverage ranged between 13.60 lakh and 29.06 lakh during 2001-06. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of the State was 77 as of December 2004 which was much higher than the all India average of 58 and the percentage of severely malnourished children remained around five per cent throughout 2001-06. The State level Coordination Committee required for monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the scheme was not constituted. Two out of eight districts test checked did not have any District Level Co-ordination Committees to monitor the ICDS activities.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Odisha (2011-2016)
(CAG of India, 16-09-2017) CAG of India
Performance Audit on Implementation of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme in Odisha covering the period 2011-16 showed that the expenditure was less than the budgetary provision by Rs 1,239.23 crore. Statement of Expenditure and Utilisation Certificates (UCs) submitted to GoI were based on treasury drawals and not on actual expenditure. In the sampled seven districts, Rs 102.77 crore remained unutilised with the District Social Welfare Officers as of March 2016. Funds were also not provided for supply of medicine kits and pre-school education (PSE) kits due to which the Department could not avail Central assistance of Rs 81.75 crore. Out of 38.39 lakh children considered eligible, 3.58 lakh (nine per cent) in the State were not provided Supplementary Nutrition. Supply of food stuff under the scheme was not managed properly, due to which instances of short/ non-supply of eggs and rasi ladu were observed. Quality control mechanism for Take Home Ration was not effective as sample test reports indicated supply of adulterated/ sub-standard/ unsafe chhatua to the beneficiaries. Stock management of wheat and rice under Supplementary Nutrition Programme was deficient. Misappropriation of rice was observed in 12 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under Joda (T) project. Out of the 82.03 lakh enrolled children, 5.56 lakh children (seven per cent) did not attend pre-school education. PSE kits and Nua Arunima work books were not supplied regularly. Health check-up was provided to only 30 per cent of the eligible children, 56 per cent of the pregnant women and 50 per cent of the nursing mothers in the State during 2011-16. Only 46 per cent of the severely malnourished children were referred to hospitals for treatment. Out of 71,306 AWCs in the State, only 28,187 (40 per cent) AWCs had dedicated ICDS buildings. The pace of construction of ICDS buildings was slow as only 14,059 (53 per cent) out of 26,690 buildings, sanctioned for construction during 2010-16 were completed. Due to non-submission of UCs to GoI for the funds sanctioned during 2013-14 for construction of AWCs, the Department could not avail of Central assistance of Rs 93.76 crore. The Department had not operationalised 1,281 AWCs even after 18 months of sanction under Anganwadi on Demand scheme. Seventy six per cent of AWCs had no toilet facilities. Infrastructure facilities at the AWCs were not adequate even after four decades of implementation of the scheme. Thirty one per cent of the posts in Supervisor cadre and 63 per cent in Statistical Assistants cadre were lying vacant as of March 2016. Monitoring and Supervision of implementation of the scheme was also not adequate.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Pondicherry (2014-2017)
(CAG of India, 18-07-2018) CAG of India
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services in Pondicherry for the period 2014-15 to 2016-17 revealed that the Department did not plan and assess the requirements of own and dedicated buildings for AWCs and there were delays in construction of own buildings for AWCs. Infrastructure and basic amenities as stipulated in the norms were inadequate in the test-checked AWCs. The Department procured food grains at a much higher rate from open market instead of lifting from FCI, at concessional rates, leading to an excess expenditure of Rs 9.06 crore. Non-supply of medicine kits every year defeated the purpose of extending basic medical care to children at AWCs. Non-supply of preschool kits affected the aim of holistic development of children by use of play and learning material. Monitoring was ineffective and inadequate inspections by CDPOs and Supervisors led to the deficiencies noticed in implementation of the scheme.
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in Punjab (2002-2007)
(CAG of India, 2008) CAG of India
Performance Audit of Integrated Child Development Services in Punjab for the period 2002-03 to 2006097 revealed that the Department failed in the areas of planning, co-ordination and monitoring of the nutrition programme. The funds were drawn in advance of requirements and kept outside Government accounts resulting in loss of interest Rs 7.93 lakh. The reconciliation of expenditure was not done. Expenditure was overstated by Rs 6.90 crore and utilisation certificates for Rs 39.28 crore were not furnished. Material costing Rs 39.47 lakh seized by Vigilance became unfit for human consumption due to its non-utilization within prescribed shelf life. Wheat and rice were not lifted from godowns denying benefit to 604709 beneficiaries. The overall shortfall in coverage of beneficiaries was between 32 and 85 per cent. Monitoring of the scheme was weak.