The ‘Inside Districts’ series launched in April 2020 is a one-of-its-kind attempt to capture the experiences of district and Block-level officials, panchayat functionaries, beneficiaries, and frontline workers, on their challenges and best practices.

This interview was conducted with an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Beneficiary in Osmanabad, Maharashtra in Hindi on 29 May 2021, and has been translated.

Q: From the beginning of this year, have you been receiving Anganwadi services regularly?

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Beneficiary: Yes, we have been receiving the services at our Anganwadi centre regularly. We did not receive the Take Home Ration (THR) last month, but then this month we received the THR for two months.

I am pregnant and I am receiving my routine vaccines on time every month. Anganwadi workers also visit us at home.

Q: Have you been informed about your COVID-19 vaccination?

ICDS Beneficiary: Yes, we have been informed about the vaccination drive. However, I have not been asked to take the vaccine as of now. I will be told when it’s my turn.

All my other family members have been asked to take the vaccine. My mother-in-law did not take the vaccine. She has blood pressure issues and that is why she is scared of getting vaccinated. My husband wants to get vaccinated but he is in the 18-44 years of age category, and that is why he is not able to find available slots.

Q: During the second wave, did you receive free ration?

ICDS Beneficiary: We received THR from the Anganwadi centre but no ration was distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the village during the second wave. Last year, during the nationwide lockdown, we received ration under PDS.

More experiences can be found on the dedicated Inside Districts platform.