CAG of India2024-06-272024-06-2706-03-2020https://resourcerepository.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/handle/apurr/461Anganwadi Centres are the first outpost for delivery of supplementary nutrition, pre-school education and other services under the ICDS programme to children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Audit noticed that there were deficiencies in planning, availability of infrastructure, equipment and manpower in these Anganwadi centres. 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.EnglishAudit Report