Implementation of the ICDS in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh (India): a systemic study

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme – India’s flagship social welfare prescription for children (0–6 years) has achieved mixed implementation success. Considerable inter-state variation in the quality and reach of programme services remain. This study examines processes in ICDS implementation from research in two states – the densely populated Uttar Pradesh, and the newly created Chhattisgarh in central India.