• Dr. Rabindra Nath Ojha
• Dr. Annie Joya
• Rajiv Ranjan

Launched in 1975, ICDS is country’s largest health and nutrition programme which aims at overall development of children between 0-6 years, adolescent girls and women from poor socio-economic groups through a package of services: The present study aimed to assess the functioning and effectiveness of the ICDS services from the beneficiaries as well as the Anganwadi Worker’s (AWWs) perspectives. Methodology In the present study both primary and secondary research techniques were used. Study Area: Muzaffarpur district has total 16 ICDS blocks and 4006 Anganwadi Centres. The study was conducted in Kanti block of Muzaffarpur district. Study Design, Sample Size and Study Tools The project sites selected were based on the responses of the target groups. Semi structured interview schedule was prepared to gather information from the service providers specifically Anganwadi Workers and target respondents. Case study method was also used to collect real life experiences of the respondents. FINDINGS Almost all beneficiaries in this block reported availability of following services at AWCs- i) Immunization ii) Supplementary feeding iii) Pre-Schooling iv) IFA tablet v) Health checkups vi) Early Childhood care The most frequently utilised services are:- -Immunisation -Early childhood care -Pre-schooling -Counseling for universal breast feeding and -Supplementary feeding According to most of the Anganwadi Workers following services are available at centre and hence most of the beneficiaries are aware about these services. i) Immunisation ii) Supplementary feeding iii) Growth monitoring and promotion iv) Nutrition and Health Education v) Referral services vi) Early childhood care vii) Universal breast feeding viii) Pre-schooling ix) IFA tablets As per AWWs most utilised services in this block are:- i) Immunisation ii) Supplementary feeding iii) Pre-schooling iv) IFA tablets. Success, Constraints and Future Challenges of ICDS Services in the State The Government of Bihar has also made women and children a priority and has extended support to development programmes. Success of ICDS programme depends mainly on grass root level workers and its effective supervision, management and training of these functionaries. The programme has registered notable success and has benefited the community at the grass root level. It is also observed that in implementation of the programme some constraints have emerged impacting upon its success.

ICDS, Immunization, Supplementary feeding, Pre-schooling, Nutrition and Health Education, Universal breast feeding.

"Addressing Woman and Child health & Nutrition through ICDS in Bihar: A Case Study of Kanti Block in Muzaffarpur District”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.480-492, June-2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906B77.pdf

"Addressing Woman and Child health & Nutrition through ICDS in Bihar: A Case Study of Kanti Block in Muzaffarpur District”", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp480-492, June-2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1906B77.pdf