It is basically a child welfare scheme. This was suggested by Planning Commission to make available a package of essential services with a larger overall impact than the services available independently. Its aims are:
i. To improve the health and nutritional status of children in the age group 0-6 years.
ii. To lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child.
iii. To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropouts.
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iv. To achieve effectively, coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments, to promote child development.
v. To enhance the ability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs the child through proper nutrition and health education.
The following package of services are provided in the I.C.D.S.
vi. Supplementary nutrition
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vii. Immunization
viii.Health check-up
ix. Referral services
x. Nutrition and health education
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xi. Non-formal education
The beneficiaries are expectant and nursing mothers, other women between 15-44 years of age, children between 0-6 years.
The programme covers rural community development blocks, tribal development blocks, and urban slums. In short this programme is aimed at the all-around development of a Child.