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Assessing the non-attendance of preschooling among children under ICDS scheme in India: Insights from National Family Health Survey, 2019–21

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  • Rahaman, Margubur
  • Roy, Avijit
  • Chouhan, Pradip

Abstract

India is well known for its Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), which provide comprehensive support for children's overall development. Although the level of receiving nutritional supplements from ICDS is well-researched, the utilization of preschooling services from ICDS is under-researched. Therefore, the present study aims to contextualize the level and predictors of preschooling service in India. Using the fifth round of NFHS (2019–21) and applying logistic regression, chi-square tests, the present study measured the proportion and predictors of non-attendance in preschooling among children aged 2–4 years. About 49 % of sampled children were not attending preschooling in India. However, state-level variation is noteworthy. Mother's education and household wealth quintile were found to be negatively associated with non-attendance in preschooling. Significant variations were also observed based on religion and caste. Additionally, the place of residence played a significant role. The present study concludes that the high prevalence of non-attendance in preschooling is a serious concern in India. At the same time, significant socio-demographic and residential variations in non-attendance in preschooling highlight the need to understand these drivers to revisit the existing policies and program to promote preschooling in India.

Suggested Citation

  • Rahaman, Margubur & Roy, Avijit & Chouhan, Pradip, 2025. "Assessing the non-attendance of preschooling among children under ICDS scheme in India: Insights from National Family Health Survey, 2019–21," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:111:y:2025:i:c:s0149718925000564
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2025.102589
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chhavi Tiwari & Srinivas Goli & Mohammad Zahid Siddiqui & Pradeep S. Salve, 2022. "Poverty, wealth inequality and financial inclusion among castes in Hindu and Muslim communities in Uttar Pradesh, India," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 34(6), pages 1227-1255, August.
    2. repec:osf:socarx:96tgm_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
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