Anganwadi Services in Remote Tribal Districts: Problems and Prospects with Reference to West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh

Anganwadi Services under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme constitute a vital component of India’s social welfare framework, particularly in addressing the nutritional, health, and educational needs of children and women in rural and tribal areas. Despite wide coverage, the effective delivery of these services in remote tribal rural areas remains a significant challenge due to geographical isolation, infrastructural inadequacies, socio-cultural factors, and administrative limitations. This study examines the functioning of Anganwadi Services in the West Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, a predominantly tribal and rural district characterized by hilly terrain and scattered settlements. The paper analyzes the major challenges faced by Anganwadi centres and workers, while also exploring the prospects for improvement through community participation, convergence of welfare schemes, capacity building, and context-specific policy interventions. Based on both primary and secondary data, the study highlights the need for localized strategies to strengthen Anganwadi services and ensure inclusive development in tribal rural regions.