ICDS DEPARTMENT

The Women and Child Development Department (WCD) of the Zilla Parishad in Raigad focuses on the holistic well-being, protection, and empowerment of women and children, especially in the rural areas. It primarily functions through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and various other targeted welfare programs.

Here are its brief functions:

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Implementation: This is the cornerstone of its work. It oversees the functioning of Anganwadi centers (childcare and nutrition centers) across the district. Through Anganwadis, the department provides:

Supplementary Nutrition: Providing nutritious food and supplementary diets to children (0-6 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers to combat malnutrition.

Health Check-ups and Immunization: Facilitating regular health check-ups for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, and coordinating with the Health Department for immunization programs.

Referral Services: Referring malnourished children, sick children, and high-risk pregnant women to appropriate health facilities for further treatment.

Pre-school Education: Providing non-formal pre-school education to children aged 3-6 years at Anganwadi centers to prepare them for formal schooling.

Health and Nutrition Education: Imparting knowledge to mothers and adolescent girls on health, hygiene, nutrition, and child care practices.

Women’s Empowerment Programs: The department implements various schemes aimed at empowering rural women:

Vocational and Skill Training: Providing training in skills like tailoring, beauty parlor, and MSCIT (Maharashtra State Certificate in Information Technology) to enable women to become self-reliant and gain employment or start their own businesses.

Financial Assistance for Self-Employment: Providing subsidies or assistance for women to start small businesses, often including distribution of sewing machines.

Support for Disadvantaged Women: Implementing schemes for the welfare of disabled women and other vulnerable groups.

Women’s Gatherings and Awareness: Organizing awareness campaigns and gatherings at various levels to discuss women’s issues, rights, and available schemes.

Child Welfare Schemes:

Lek Ladki Yojana: A specific scheme aimed at promoting girls’ education and development by providing financial incentives at various stages of a girl child’s life.

Bicycle Distribution Scheme: Providing bicycles to rural girls studying in classes 5th to 12th to encourage their continued education.

Child Protection: While there’s often a District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) under the Collectorate, the WCD also plays a role in child welfare, especially concerning vulnerable children in the Anganwadi network.

Addressing Social Issues:

Women Counseling Centers: Operating counseling centers (like ‘Salokha’ centers) to provide social, psychological, and legal counseling and assistance to women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual harassment, or other forms of abuse.

Promoting Awareness: Campaigns against social ills affecting women and children.

Monitoring and Supervision: The department supervises the functioning of Anganwadi centers, monitors the implementation of various schemes, and ensures that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. It also facilitates awards for best-performing Anganwadi Sevikas.