Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Under the ICDS programme school going children are provided supplementary food providing 500Kcal and 12-15g protein.
Statement (II): The main objective of ICDS programme is to improve school enrolment, attendance and to reduce dropout rates.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

To avoid confusion:
- ICDS target group \(\rightarrow\) Preschool children (0-6 years), pregnant and lactating mothers (administered via Anganwadi centers).
- Mid-Day Meal target group \(\rightarrow\) Primary and upper-primary school-going children (6-14 years).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the distinction between the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, both of which are major national food and nutrition security programs in India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement:
1. Statement (I) is Incorrect: Under the ICDS scheme, supplementary nutrition is provided to children aged 0 to 6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers—not school-going children. The scheme that provides supplementary food of 450-700 Kcal to school-going children is the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme.
2. Statement (II) is Incorrect: The primary objectives of ICDS are to improve the nutritional and health status of preschool children (under 6 years), reduce mortality, morbidity and malnutrition, and lay the foundation for proper psychological, physical and social development. Improving school enrollment, increasing attendance, and reducing dropout rates are primary objectives of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for primary and upper primary schools.
Therefore, both statements have confused the details of the ICDS scheme with the Mid-Day Meal scheme, making both statements incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (B).