Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
Explanation
Food intervention programmes in India are designed to ensure food security and nutritional support for vulnerable populations. These initiatives have been rolled out in different phases to address specific challenges such as famine, chronic hunger, and malnutrition among children and mothers.
Option-wise Analysis
- Public Distribution System (PDS) is incorrect: The Public Distribution System (PDS) has its roots in the rationing system introduced during World War II (around 1939). It was expanded in the 1960s to address food shortages but predates 1975.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is correct: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was launched on 2nd October 1975 on an experimental basis in 33 community development blocks. It provides a package of six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-up, and referral services.
- Food-for-Work (FFW) is incorrect: The Food-for-Work (FFW) programme was introduced in 1977–78. It aimed to utilize surplus food grains to generate rural employment and create community assets.
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) is incorrect: The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched in December 2000. It targets the "poorest of the poor" families to provide them with food grains at highly subsidized rates.
Key Takeaway: ICDS is the world's largest community-based programme for early childhood development, launched in 1975 to improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group of 0-6 years.