Vilavoorkkal
Grama Panchayat

Anganwadi System and Services

What is an Anganwadi?

Anganwadis are local centres that serve the health, nutrition, and educational needs of children and women in rural areas and economically disadvantaged communities in urban areas of India. They function under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

6 Major Services Provided Through Anganwadis

1. Supplementary Nutrition

Provides nutritious food to children aged 6 months to 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Services may include supplementary food such as Amrutham Nutrimix and meals, along with regular growth monitoring.

2. Pre-School Non-Formal Education

Provides a child-friendly pre-school learning environment for children aged 3 to 6 years through play-based activities, songs, games, and other age-appropriate learning methods.

3. Immunization

In coordination with Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Anganwadis help ensure that children and pregnant women receive the necessary vaccinations on time.

4. Health Check-up

Includes monitoring and recording children's body weight and growth, providing basic medicines where appropriate, deworming, distribution of Vitamin A, and other basic health-related services.

5. Referral Services

Identifies children and mothers who may have malnutrition, health problems, developmental concerns, or disabilities and refers them to hospitals or appropriate health facilities for specialised care.

6. Nutrition and Health Education

Provides awareness and education to women aged 15 to 45 years on topics such as proper nutrition, hygiene, breastfeeding, family planning, and other important health-related matters.

Target Groups

• Children aged 0–6 years
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers
• Women aged 15–45 years
• Adolescent girls

Anganwadi Staff

Each Anganwadi centre is generally supported by an Anganwadi Worker (AWW) and an Anganwadi Helper (AWH) who coordinate and assist in delivering services to the community.