In which year was the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) introduced?
A1965
B1975
C1985
D1995
Answer:
B. 1975
Read Explanation:
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was introduced on 2 October 1975 (launched on the 106th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi).
Objective: It was launched to improve the nutritional and health status of children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Core Services: The scheme provides a package of six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition & health education, immunization, health check-ups, and referral services.
Implementation: The services are delivered at the grassroots level through a network of village childcare centers known as Anganwadi centers.
Five-Year Plan: It was introduced during India's Fifth Five-Year Plan (1974–1978).