Policy SRM Study

  2. Policy SRM Study

Policy SRM Study

The Study to assess the Performance Outcome for Integrated Child Development Services Scheme on Health and Nutritional Status of Children (below 6 years) in Tamil Nadu was contracted to the School of Public Health, SRM University through the Department of Evaluation and Applied Research. This study provides information regarding ICDS coverage and Health. Four surveys were designed and were carried out. Survey I, the AWC observation survey was grouped in covered a sample of 1600 AWCs, while the Survey II was the AWW survey and was done in the same 1600 AWCs. Survey III,the Child nutrition survey which gave us the outcome of the ICDS program’s effectiveness was done in all 32 districts. Listing operation covered around 3.5 Lakh households covering about 12 lakh population in 1315 AWC across 32 districts of Tamil Nadu. Totally 1315 AWCs being covered for Survey III and 44494 children were sampled. Survey IV which give details about Community awareness was done in 160 AWCs area covering 4119 sample households.

Given below are some of the key findings of the Survey findings that call for urgent policy intervention from the government to improve the nutritional status of children in Tamil Nadu



Malnutrition status of children


  • Over all prevalence of low birth weight was about 18 per cent and 13 per cent respectively among beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Low birth weight in ICDS beneficiary group was almost double than that in non-beneficiary groups among tribals.
  • Across the State about 20.4 per cent of the children were found to be Moderately Malnourished.
  • The prevalence of severe malnutrition across the state was 4.8 per cent.
  • The severe malnutrition levels were unacceptably high in three districts namely Dindigul (9.7%) ,Tiruvannamalai (13.1%), Villupuram(25.5%) requiring most urgent intervention
  • Prevalence of Anemia was 73.4% among pre school children aged 6-59 month in Tamilnadu.


Human Resource shortage


  • In total 1600 AWCs surveyed in the State the post of AWW were reported to be vacant in about 670 centers ie 41.9 per cent during the time of survey.
  • There were about 10 districts were the vacancy was about 50 per cent and above
  • Only 58 per cent of AWCs reported having exclusive Anganwardi worker


Non conformity to norms


  • Over 34 per cent of the AWCs were serving population of over 1001-1500, and around 17 per cent reported serving over 1500 population.The prescribed coverage of population for urban and rural areas is 400-800 for main centre and 150-400 for minianganwadicentre. In tribal areas, the population norms are 300-800 for main centre and 150-300 for mini anganwadicentre.
  • Over half of the AWCs surveyed reported having 11-20 children, 27 per cent with 1-10 children and 16per cent having 21-30 children.


Infrastructure issues


  • AWCs reported having the weighing scales, however close to quarter of AWCs did not have growth charts at their centers.
  • One third of Anganwadi centers did not have electrical power supply.
  • The plinth area was ascertained, and over 60 per cent reported having a plinth area of less than 300 sqft, which is the minimum required for an AWC.


Sanitation and Hygiene


  • About 60 per cent reported having toilets. Findings in the survey revealed that out 1600 AWCs 68 per cent reported open urinating and defecating by the Children.
  • About 50 per cent of beneficiaries and 40 per cent of non-beneficiaries reported practicing open defecation.


Anganwadi Service Utilization


  • Among ICDS beneficiaries, while 90 per cent of the women were utilizing the AWC.
  • Only 55 per cent of 2-6 years age groups beneficiary children household mentioned that they received Sathumaavu at the AWC.

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