An evaluative study of integrated child development services in Punjab

India is home to the largest child population in the world. The development of children is the first priority on the country's development agenda, not because they are the most vulnerable, but because they are our supreme assets and also the future human resources of the country. In these words, our Tenth Five Year Plan (2002–07) underlines the fact that the future of India lies in the future on Indian children-across income groups, geographical locations, gender and communities.Researches on women and children reveals that there are several areas which requires the attention of planners and programme implementers. Policy decisions based on research findings are rooted in ground reality and therefore have the capacity to bring about tangible improvement in the situation whether it is with regard to nutritional status, health practices or rights of women and children. ICDS, beingan important programme aiming at the holistic development of children (0–6 years) and mothers and addresses the related issues, the investigator feels that the there is a need to evaluate the implementation of ICDS and explore the views of various beneficiaries such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, AWW, ANM, community members about the implementation of ICDS. The study would help policy makers to modify existing policies on issues related to implementation of the scheme. In the present research, descriptive survey method and purposive sampling technique was used by the investigator to collect data from 50 AWW, 50 ANM members, 100 beneficiaries(50 lactating mothers, 50 pregnant women) and 10 community members from Dhar and Pathankot block of Gurdaspur district of Punjab. Interview schedule for beneficiaries, AWW, ANM, community members designed by SEDEM, New Delhi was modified and used by the investigator to evaluate the ICDS. The investigator analysed the views of AWW, ANM, Pregnant women, Lactating mother and community members, about the implementation of ICDS. The result reflects that AWW were satisfied with their job and their suggestions for improvement of ICDS center has been implemented. However, AWW faced the problems of inadequate supply of medicine, irregular visit of doctor and infrastructure. ANM has been benefitted from the training programmes and has been provided help by AWW and Gram Pradhans of their area however they have given suggestions regarding up gradation of all the facilities provided by ICDS center. Beneficiaries has been invited by the AWW in their meetings and has been provided with health care facilities at the center however they have given suggestions regarding up gradation of all the facilities provided by ICDS center. Community members agreed that AWW and ANM has been working effectively in their area but they need to be well trained and highly qualified. Community members agreed that ANM and doctors has not been visiting the center regularly and outdated medical practices are being followed to treat the diseases of the beneficiaries.