It has now been recognized that physical, mental and social development that takes place in early childhood is crucial for subsequent development, and that services provided in early childhood are very important for the development of the child. It has also been realized that all basic essential sevices for the proper development of the child, viz.nutrition, health and education, shold be provided simultaniously to children and mothers and right in their own village or ward. Accordingly, the scheme of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was initiated in 1975. It was first started in 20 blocks and four slums on an experimental basis. The programme has since been expanded to include 1,136 ICDS projects by the end of the Sixth Five Year Plan.

Efforts are also made to include other related scheme in the ICDS Project areas, such as Safe Dringking Water Supply Scheme, Sanitation Programme, Adult Literacy Prograame, etc.