The Centre has introduced an 'anganwadi on demand' scheme under which state governments can submit requests for anganwadi centres based on their needs.
In order to cover all the habitations, including tribal, across the country, the states or Union Territory administrations were requested to undertake a micro-level survey with regard to predominantly SC/ST and minority habitations and furnish specific requirements of additional projects and anganwadi centres.
Based on these requirements received from the states/union territories, the Integrated Child Development Services scheme was expanded for 789 additional projects, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
With this, the total number of sanctioned anganwadi centres has increased to 13,56,027.
"The state governments and the Union Territories have been requested to submit requirements if any for anganwadi on demand," she said.
To address the problem of malnutrition and ensure effective implementation of the ICDS scheme, the Government has recently taken various steps which include universalisation of the scheme with special focus on SC/ST and minority habitations.
