Explore the Adolescent Girls (AG) Scheme under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) by the Ministry of Women. Learn about its focus on creating an environment for self-development and addressing gender disadvantages.
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)
Established in 2010, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) is an initiative implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under an Umbrella Integrated, environment. It operates through the existing Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and has nationwide coverage.
The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), implemented by the Ministry of Women, focuses on the holistic development of Adolescent Girls (AG), addressing gender disadvantages through education, nutrition, and self-development under ICDS.
Coverage
SAG operates through the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and utilizes existing Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). It targets out-of-school girls aged 11-14 years, motivating them to re-enter formal schooling or pursue vocational/skill training.
In the North Eastern States and Aspirational Districts, as of 23-Mar-2022, SAG initiatives have been aligned with the Education Act, 2009, focusing on the 11-14 years age group. Priorities include preventing and treating abuse issues, providing medical care, and supporting pregnant adolescents.
Adolescent Scheme Components
- Nutrition:
Provides a specified amount of calories, protein, and micronutrients to adolescent girls in the form of home-cooked meals.
- Non-nutrition:
Encompasses health check-ups, mainstreaming out-of-school girls into the formal school system, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation, and life skill education.
Documents Required
To complete various processes, the following documents are essential:
Age Proof:
Birth certificates or any official documents verifying the age of the individual.
Identity Proof:
Official identification documents to establish the identity of the person.
Residence Proof:
Documents providing evidence of the individual’s place of residence.
Guardianship Documents:
Legal documents confirming the guardianship or custody of the person, if applicable.
Objectives of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls:
- The objective is to empower and educate teenage girls, fostering their independence and knowledge as valuable members of society
- Enhance their life and domestic skills
- Provide support to out-of-school girls for successful reintegration into formal education or vocational training
- Raise awareness about available public services, including Post Office, Bank, Police Station, Rural Hospitals/CHCs, etc
- Promote the importance of proper nutrition and maintain the well-being of adolescent girls
- Develop an understanding of diet, hygiene, and overall health.
Benefits Given by the Scheme for Adolescent Girls:
The services provided by the program are categorized into nutrition and non-nutrition components. The beneficiaries receive the following services:
Nutrition Component:
Each recipient’s daily financial requirement for 300 days a year is ₹ 9.5, which covers the cost of adding micronutrients. The ₹ 9.50 daily nutrition allowance ensures the provision of 600 calories, 18-20 grams of protein, and the necessary micronutrients throughout the year.
Non Nutrition Component:
For out-of-school adolescent girls aged 11 to 14:
- IFA supplementation is provided two or three times per week
- Health examination and treatment services are available
- Counseling and guidance on child care, ARSH (Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health), and family welfare are provided
- Support is given for accessing public services and receiving life skills education
- Health and Nutrition Education (NHE) is offered.
Measures of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls’ Sustainability Comprise
Kishore Health Card: A health card is maintained to monitor the height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of adolescent girls, along with other program-related services. Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) keep these health cards for the girls, which also provide information about the program’s objectives and outcomes.
SAG- Rapid Reporting System (RRS): The Management Information System (MIS) collects data on adolescent girls benefiting from this program through the SAG-Rapid Reporting System (RRS).
Frequently Asked Question for Adolescent Girls
The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG), implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), aims to address the inter-generational cycle of nutritional and gender disadvantages and create a supportive environment for the self-development of adolescent girls.
The Scheme-I is intended for adolescent girls aged 11-15 years from families with an annual income below ₹ 6400/-.
The government has been implementing the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls (AGs) in the age group of 10-19 years since 2011, with the specific objective of ensuring the health of adolescent girls.
The primary objective of the scheme is to empower and educate adolescent girls (AGs), fostering their self-reliance and awareness to become active and informed citizens. 1. What is the scheme related to adolescent girls?
2. What is the income limit for adolescent girls scheme?
3. When was the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) launched?
4. What are the objectives of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)?
