Question:medium

A young boy presents with clinical signs of rickets. Which government program specifically addresses this type of nutritional deficiency?

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ICDS is a major program for child nutrition, growth monitoring and early childhood care.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
  • National Nutritional Deficiency Control Programme
  • Anemia Mukt Bharat
  • Mid-Day Meal Scheme
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the Indian government program that provides nutritional interventions for children suffering from deficiencies like rickets (Vitamin D deficiency).
Rickets is primarily a childhood nutritional disorder characterized by bone softening and deformities.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS):

Target Population: It focuses on children in the age group of 0–6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Services Provided: The program provides a package of six services: supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunization, health check-up, and referral services.

Nutritional Support: Through Anganwadi centers, it addresses micronutrient deficiencies, including Vitamin D and Calcium, by providing fortified food and health monitoring to prevent conditions like rickets.


Analyzing other options:

Anemia Mukt Bharat (C): Specifically targets iron and folic acid deficiency to reduce the prevalence of anemia.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme (D): Primarily aimed at improving the nutritional status of school-age children (6–14 years) and increasing school attendance.

National Nutritional Deficiency Control Programme (B): This is a broader term, but ICDS is the specific flagship operational program in the field.


Step 3: Final Answer:
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is the primary government initiative that targets early childhood nutrition and manages deficiencies like rickets through its comprehensive service package.
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