JUDGMENT

Dr. Arijit Pasayat, J.—Grievance is made by the petitioner about the non-implementation of the directions given by this Court to the Central Government and the State Governments relating to Integrating Child Development Scheme (in short the ‘ICDS’). The scheme is meant for children of the age group of 0-6, Pregnant women, lacetating mothers and adolescent girls. Undisputedly, funds are released by the Central Government to the State Governments who are required to implement the scheme. State Governments, it is alleged, have failed to match the grants given by the Central Government.

We shall deal with this aspect a little later in detail.

2. Dr. N.C. Saxena, Commissioner, and Sh. Harsh Mander, the Special Commissioner were appointed pursuant to the orders passed by this Court for giving their reports on the question whether the Scheme has been implemented in the manner desired by this Court by various orders.

3. A bare reading of the reports shows the grim realities and apparent lethargy of some of the States in implementing the Scheme.

By report dated 19th July, 2006 following recommendations are made by the Committee.

(1)Reassert the figure of 14 lakhs AWCs as a benchmark esti