## ICDS Core Components **Key Point:** The ICDS scheme, launched in 1975, has six well-defined core components that form the backbone of India's nutrition and early childhood development program. ### The Six Core Components of ICDS | Component | Target Group | Details | |-----------|--------------|----------| | Supplementary Nutrition | Children 6 months–6 years, pregnant/lactating women | 450–500 kcal, 12 g protein daily | | Pre-school Education | Children 3–6 years | Play-based learning, school readiness | | Health Checkups | Children 0–6 years | Growth monitoring, screening for malnutrition | | Immunization | Children 0–6 years | Coordination with health system | | Health Education | Mothers, caregivers | Nutrition, hygiene, WASH, child care | | Referral Services | Malnourished/sick children | Linkage to primary health centers | **High-Yield:** Direct cash transfer to mothers is NOT a core ICDS component. While some states have introduced conditional cash transfer schemes (e.g., Rajasthan's nutrition program), these are state-level add-ons, not part of the central ICDS framework. The ICDS provides in-kind supplementary nutrition through Anganwadi centers, not cash transfers. **Warning:** Do not confuse ICDS with the Public Distribution System (PDS) or other welfare schemes that may involve cash transfers. ICDS is specifically a service-delivery model centered on the Anganwadi worker and center. **Clinical Pearl:** The Anganwadi center is the hub—a single worker (or pair in larger villages) coordinates all six components at the grassroots level, making ICDS one of the world's largest nutrition programs by reach. [cite:Park 26e Ch 10]
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