In India, the development of children has been addressed through a combination of policies, programmes, and legal frameworks aimed at ensuring their health, education, protection, and overall well-being. The country recognizes that children are a vulnerable section of society and that their holistic development is essential for the socio-economic progress of rural and urban communities alike. Several policies have been formulated at the national level, particularly under the framework of the National Policy for Children, which emphasizes survival, development, protection, and participation. This policy serves as a guideline for planning and implementing interventions that cover nutrition, education, health care, and child rights. A cornerstone of child development in India is the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, launched in 1975. It provides a comprehensive package of services including supplementary nutrition, immunization, health check-ups, referral services, and pre-school non-formal education. ICDS primarily targets children under six years of age and their mothers, with a special focus on rural areas where access to health and education facilities is limited. The programme operates through Anganwadi centers, which function as local hubs for delivering health, nutrition, and educational services. Alongside ICDS, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in schools ensures that children from