Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was launched in 33 Blocks on October 2, 1975, in response to the challenge of meeting the holistic needs of the child. Today, ICDS is one of the world's largest and most unique outreach Programmes for children. It is widely acknowledged that the young child is most vulnerable to malnutrition, morbidity, resultant disability and mortality. The early years are the most crucial period in life, as it is the time when the foundations for cognitive, social, emotional, language, physical/motor development and life-long learning are laid.