ORDER

1. We have gone through the 5th (August 2004) Report of the Commissioners S/Shri Dr. N.C. Saxena and N.R. Sankaran. First of all, we wish to place on record our compliments and appreciation for the enormous work done by the learned Commissioners in presenting the Report under consideration.

2. The Report is in three parts. First part is divided into 14 sections covering different schemes. Under Section I, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) have been considered. Part II sets out summary of findings and Part III sets out recommendations. We would first consider the aspect of f ICDS. In order to fully appreciate the problem, it would be useful to notice the background briefly.

3. ICDS, as noticed in the order dated 29-4-2004t is perhaps the largest of all the food and supplementation programmes in the world that was initiated in the year 1975 with the following objectives as per the document prepared by the Planning Commission:

1. To improve the health and nutrition status of children 0-6 years by providing supplementary food and by coordinating with State health departments to ensure delivery of required health inputs.

2. To provide conditions necessary for pre-school