ORDER :

All these petitions relate to implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (for short ‘ICDS scheme’) in the State of Karnataka, [which was introduced on 02.10.1975 by the Government of India. In W.P.(Civil) 196/2001, the Apex Court has issued detailed guidelines regarding implementation of the ICDS scheme; amongst other things, the Central and State Government were directed not to use contractors and preferably implement the scheme making use of village communities, self help groups and Mahila Mandals. Pursuant to the directions and guidelines issued by the Apex Court, Mahila Supplementary Production Training Centres (for short ‘MSPTC’) were established by the State Government for implementation of the scheme.]

FACTUAL MATRIX

Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS Scheme)

The ICDS Scheme was introduced by the Government of India in the year 1975 and is administered through State Governments. As per the information available on the web-portal of the State of Karnataka as well as stated in the Public Interest Litigation, there are more than 50 lakh beneficiaries of the ICDS Scheme in Karnataka. These beneficiaries comprising of children aged abou