ICDS and Child Nutrition in Tamilnadu, Salem Rural: An Evaluation of Policy Effectiveness from 2015-16, and 2019-2021

Geetha Rajendiran, Kandasamy Karthikeyan

Abstract: The Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), a noteworthy initiative that has been operational for over four decades, was instituted with the primary objective of addressing the nutritional requirements of children while simultaneously providing essential health and early childhood care services. This work aims to explore the impact of ICDS in improving children's nutritional status. The study draws on cross-sectional quantitative data from the National Family Health Surveys, complemented by qualitative insights derived from fieldwork conducted in Salem rural districts, Tamil Nadu from 2015 to 2021. Findings from both bivariate and multivariate analyses indicate no statistically significant difference in the nutritional status of children who avail ICDS services compared to those who do not. Qualitative observations further reveal that the supplementary nutrition provided through Anganwadi centres is often consumed as a substitute rather than a complement to home-prepared meals. Additionally, there is a marked absence of home visits by Anganwadi workers, specifically in the domains of nutritional education and counselling. Overall, the evidence underscores persistent gaps in the implementation of ICDS, which continue to limit its effectiveness in addressing child undernutrition in rural India.

Keywords: Nutrition, ICDS, Supplementary Feeding, Child Health, Malnutrition, Rural Development, Anganwadi Services, Nutritional Education

How to Cite?: Geetha Rajendiran, Kandasamy Karthikeyan, "ICDS and Child Nutrition in Tamilnadu, Salem Rural: An Evaluation of Policy Effectiveness from 2015-16, and 2019-2021", Volume 14 Issue 11, November 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 220-229, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR251102200005, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR251102200005