Adoloscence Girls Development and ICDS:A Case Study of Anganwadi Centres in Kannur District, Kerala

Background/Objectives: Kerala has made significant achievement not only demographic transition but also epidemiological and healthcare transition. Adolescent girls are facing many health problems such as anemia, under weight and malnutrition. A nutritionally balanced diet is important in adulthood. ICDS provide nutritional food, nutritional class, health camp, personality development class, career guidance to the adolescent girls. ICDS is the major network which formed to conduct different programs for development of adolescent girls. The major objectives of the study are- (1) To examine the accessibilities of ICDS schemes and services by adolescent girls in kannur district. (2) To analyze the utilization of ICDS services by adolescent girls in kannur district.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The study is based on both primary and secondary data. The secondary data were collected from published and unpublished source. The primary data were collected from 50 BPL adolescent girls of the ten anganwadies on a random basis. Information will be collected through structured schedules.

Findings: ICDS scheme helps to improve the health and nutritional status of adolescent girls. Most of the adolescent girls are actively participated the nutritional classes. Anganwadi centers are the backbone of ICDS project. Nutritional foods are provided for the ICDS through anganwadi centers.

Improvements/Applications: Facilities should be provided for the improvement of ICDS activities and more modules can be developed with specific focus in mind, example, leadership training, teaching, goal setting etc. Capacity building training can be given to different levels of functionaries to see the relative impact of it on the adolescent girls club functioning.