Profile, knowledge and problems of grass roots level workers and service delivery by them in ICDs Blocks: A cross sectional study

To assess functioning of ICDS and understanding the operational challenges of its implementation.

In collaboration with the Surat Municipal Corporation which caters to 5 blocks comprising of 1004 anganwadis under the ICDS scheme anganwadi workers (AWW) n= 929, KAP was assessed using a pretested questionnaire and question answer sessions during 8 meetings conducted for 5 blocks of Surat. Data regarding the KAP of Anganwadi workers (AWW), infrastructure of AWCs; delivery of Nutrition and health education, supplementary nutrition, preschool education, immunization and referral services and community participation were elicited.

KAP results of the grassroot level workers of ICDS Surat reveal that 97% AWW had passed were 10^th standard and 97% AWW had received In-service training. Infrastructure of AWW was good (97.5% had RCC construction and 60% had toilet facilities, 65% had water supply and 55% had electricity). However the Ready to eat (RTE) supplementary nutrition Balbhog supplied by the ICDS was not acceptable to the community. Awareness regarding the importance of growth monitoring, preschool education, nutrition and health counselling and supplementary nutrition was also not satisfactory.

Though all ICDS workers were trained by the government, the quality of teaching learning can be strengthened so as to focus on child growth and nutrition. RTE, Balbhog need to be promoted among the children.