Paper Details

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is India’s flagship programme for improving child nutrition, health, and early childhood development through Anganwadi Centres. In drought-prone regions, where food insecurity and vulnerability are heightened, ICDS plays a critical protective role. However, environmental stress such as drought can disrupt service delivery and limit programme effectiveness. The present study assesses the infrastructure, service utilisation, and operational challenges of ICDS in drought-affected regions of Marathwada, Maharashtra. A cross-sectional institutional assessment was conducted across 10 Anganwadi Centres, covering 412 enrolled children and 10 Anganwadi Workers. Data were collected using facility checklists, service utilisation records, and structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and gap analysis were used to evaluate infrastructure adequacy and service delivery performance. The findings revealed considerable infrastructural deficiencies, with only 60% of centres operating in permanent buildings and just 20% having year-round water availability. Service utilisation gaps were substantial, particularly in health check-ups (81.1%) and growth monitoring (35.0%), while supplementary nutrition and preschool education also showed notable gaps. Anganwadi Workers reported major operational challenges, including water scarcity (90%), delays in Take-Home Ration supply (80%), child migration (70%), and increased administrative workload. The study concludes that while ICDS remains a crucial safety net in drought-prone areas, its effectiveness is significantly constrained by infrastructural limitations and operational disruptions during drought conditions. Strengthening infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains, and enhancing system resilience are essential to improve service delivery and protect child health in environmentally vulnerable regions.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS); Anganwadi Centres; Service Delivery; Infrastructure; Drought; Child Nutrition; Public Health Systems; Marathwada