Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

एकीकृत बाल विकास सेवाएं

🏛 Ministry of Women and Child Development

Benefit Amount

Supplementary nutritionIn-kind

✓ Government Verified✓ Direct Bank Transfer

ℹAbout Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

Provides supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, referral services, pre-school education, and nutrition education to children under 6 and pregnant/lactating mothers.

Ministry

Ministry of Women and Child Development

Applicable In

All India

Benefit Type

In-kind

Status

Active

✓Who Is Eligible?

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme is designed to provide comprehensive support to vulnerable populations across India. The primary beneficiaries are children under 6 years of age, regardless of their economic status, caste, religion, or gender. Pregnant women and mothers who are currently breastfeeding are also eligible for the scheme's benefits including supplementary nutrition and health education. The scheme operates on a universal coverage model, meaning there are typically no income restrictions or economic criteria that would exclude families from accessing basic services. However, some supplementary benefits may prioritize children from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes communities. The scheme is available across all states and union territories in India, though the specific services and their frequency may vary by location based on local resource availability. Children with malnutrition, developmental delays, or health issues may receive special attention and referral services. Since ICDS operates through Anganwadi centers established in villages and urban slums, the geographic eligibility is determined by center location rather than residency restrictions. For exact eligibility criteria and any specific requirements in your area, it is recommended to contact your local Anganwadi center or visit the official ICDS portal at icds-wcd.nic.in to get detailed information about services available in your region.

Quick eligibility check:

✓

Gender: Female

✓

Category: General, OBC, SC, ST

📝How to Apply for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme operates through Anganwadi centers in your locality, so applying is straightforward. First, locate the nearest Anganwadi center in your village or neighborhood by asking local authorities or visiting the official ICDS website at icds-wcd.nic.in. Second, visit the Anganwadi center with your child and meet the worker in charge to understand the services available. Third, provide basic information about your child including age, name, and health details as requested by the Anganwadi worker. Fourth, if you are a pregnant or lactating mother, inform the worker so you can also enroll for nutrition and health services. Fifth, your child will be registered in the center's records, and you will receive information about the schedule for supplementary nutrition, immunization drives, and health check-ups. Sixth, ensure regular visits to the center to avail benefits like supplementary nutrition and health monitoring. Seventh, stay in contact with the Anganwadi worker for any referral services or additional support your child may need. Since ICDS operates nationwide through local centers, there is typically no formal written application process. Simply visit your nearest center and register your child to begin receiving services.

Visit Official Portal →