New code for Anganwadis to track children with disabilities

Subject: Schemes

Section: Health

Context:

The Union Women and Child Development Ministry launched a special protocol for Anganwadi workers which will help them track and help children with disabilities in the 0-6 years age group.

Details:

As part of the new protocol, Anganwadi workers will be provided with training that will help them spread awareness of the issue.
The NEP-2020 emphasises prioritising the integration of students with disabilities into mainstream schools.

Anganwadi Service scheme:

Anganwadi is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the States / UTs which serves as a rural child and maternal care centre in India. It primarily caters to children in the 0-6 age group.
It was started by the Government of IndiaIn1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program to combat child hunger and malnutrition.
Anganwadi centres provide a package of six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, immunisation, health check-ups, nutrition and health education, and referral services.
The beneficiaries under the Anganwadi Services Scheme are identified on the basis of Aadhaar.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Programme:

Launched on 2nd October 1975, ICDS is the only major national program that addresses the needs of children under the age of six years.
It seeks to provide young children with an integrated package of services such as supplementary nutrition, health care and pre-school education.
Because the health and nutrition needs of a child cannot be addressed in isolation from those of his or her mother, the program also extends to adolescent girls, pregnant women and nursing mothers.