Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG): A Comprehensive Guide

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) is a government initiative in India aimed at improving the overall well-being of adolescent girls aged 11 to 14 years. Launched as a flagship program under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, SAG focuses on providing nutritional support, life skills education, and vocational training to empower young girls during a critical stage of their development. This blog delves into the key features, objectives, and benefits of the scheme, highlighting its impact on adolescent girls across the country.

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Objectives of the Scheme

The primary objectives of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls are:

1. Enhance the nutritional status of adolescent girls: Addressing malnutrition is a top priority, ensuring that girls receive adequate nourishment during their formative years.
2. Provide life skills education: Empowering girls with essential life skills helps them make informed decisions about their health, education, and future.
3. Promote education and skill development: Encouraging girls to stay in school and acquire vocational skills to improve their employability.
4. Prevent early marriage: Raising awareness about the negative impact of early marriage and promoting the benefits of delayed marriage.
5. Improve awareness about health, hygiene, and reproductive rights: Educating girls about their health and rights is crucial in fostering a safe and healthy environment.

Coverage

The target group for the scheme covers out of school adolescent girls (AGs) in the age group of 11 to 14 years.

Scheme for Adolescent Girls was sanctioned in the year 2010 and was implemented in 205 districts across the country. Later, the expansion and universalisation of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls was done in additional 303 districts in 2017-18 and the remaining districts in 2018-19 with the simultaneous phasing out of Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY). Thus at present, all districts in the country are covered under Scheme for Adolescent Girls.

Scheme components

There are two major components under the Scheme ‐ Nutrition Component and Non Nutrition Component.

Nutrition Component

Take Home Ration or Hot Cooked Meal for 11‐14 years Out of school girls – Nutrition Provision Rs. 9.50 per day (600 calories; 18‐20 gram of protein and recommended daily intake of micronutrients per day for 300 days in a year.). The financial norms will be Rs. 9.5/- per beneficiary per day for 300 days in a year. This would be inclusive of the cost of micronutrient fortification.

Non Nutrition Component

For Out of school Adolescent Girls: (2 – 3 times a week)  of 11 ‐ 14 years

• IFA supplementation
• Health check‐up and Referral services
• Nutrition & Health Education (NHE)
• Counseling / Guidance on family welfare, ARSH, child care practices
• Life Skill Education and accessing public services

Key Features of the Scheme

• Nutritional Support: Under the SAG, adolescent girls are provided with supplementary nutrition through Anganwadi Centers (AWCs). The nutrition component includes hot-cooked meals or take-home rations that meet their dietary needs.
• Health Check-ups and Counselling: Regular health check-ups and counseling sessions are conducted to monitor the girls’ health, identify deficiencies, and address their concerns related to health, hygiene, and adolescence.
• Life Skills Education and Vocational Training: The scheme offers life skills education and vocational training, helping girls acquire skills such as communication, critical thinking, and self-defense, along with vocational training that can lead to economic independence.
• Community Mobilization and Awareness Programs: To ensure the success of the scheme, community engagement is emphasized. Programs are conducted to raise awareness about the importance of educating girls, preventing child marriage, and promoting gender equality.
• Linkages with Other Schemes: SAG also connects beneficiaries with other government programs such as the National Health Mission (NHM), Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, enhancing the overall impact of the scheme.

Implementation and Beneficiaries

The scheme is implemented through Anganwadi Centers, with field-level functionaries playing a vital role in identifying eligible beneficiaries and ensuring they receive the intended benefits. Adolescent girls from marginalized communities, school dropouts, and those at risk of early marriage are given special attention under this scheme.

Impact of the Scheme

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by young girls in India. By focusing on nutrition, education, and empowerment, SAG has helped many girls overcome barriers to a healthy and productive life. The scheme has also contributed to reducing school dropout rates, improving nutritional outcomes, and enhancing the overall quality of life for adolescent girls.

How to Avail the Benefits?

To avail of the benefits of the SAG, adolescent girls or their guardians can approach the nearest Anganwadi Center or contact the district office of the Department of Women and Child Development. Enrollment is straightforward, and the scheme’s benefits are accessible to all eligible girls.

Conclusion

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls is a commendable initiative that addresses the unique challenges faced by young girls in India. By providing them with the tools, skills, and support they need, the scheme helps build a brighter and more empowered future for the next generation of women. If you know an adolescent girl who could benefit from this program, encourage her to enroll and take advantage of the opportunities offered by SAG.

Stay informed, stay empowered!

Top 20 FAQs on the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)

The Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) aims to empower young girls with nutritional support, education, and skills to lead a healthy and independent life. Here are the top 20 frequently asked questions about the scheme, along with their answers:

1. What is the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)?
   • Answer: SAG is a government initiative aimed at improving the health, nutrition, education, and overall well-being of adolescent girls aged 11-14 years. The scheme provides nutritional support, health check-ups, life skills education, and vocational training.
2. Who is eligible for the Scheme for Adolescent Girls?
   • Answer: Adolescent girls aged 11-14 years, particularly school dropouts and those from marginalized communities, are eligible for the scheme.
3. What are the key components of SAG?
   • Answer: The key components include nutritional support, life skills education, vocational training, health check-ups, and community awareness programs.
4. How does the scheme provide nutritional support?
   • Answer: Nutritional support is provided through Anganwadi Centers, where girls receive hot-cooked meals or take-home rations that meet their dietary needs.
5. Are health check-ups included in the scheme?
   • Answer: Yes, regular health check-ups and counseling sessions are conducted to monitor the health of the beneficiaries and address any issues related to nutrition, hygiene, and adolescence.
6. What kind of life skills education is provided under SAG?
   • Answer: Life skills education includes training in communication, critical thinking, self-defense, and health awareness, equipping girls with essential skills for personal and social development.
7. Is vocational training part of the SAG?
   • Answer: Yes, the scheme offers vocational training to help girls acquire skills that can lead to economic independence and better employment opportunities.
8. How can a girl enroll in the Scheme for Adolescent Girls?
   • Answer: Enrollment can be done at the nearest Anganwadi Center. Field functionaries assist in identifying eligible girls and facilitating the enrollment process.
9. Are there any costs involved in enrolling in SAG?
   • Answer: No, the scheme is entirely free for eligible beneficiaries. All services, including nutritional support and training, are provided at no cost.
10. How does the scheme help prevent early marriage?
    • Answer: SAG raises awareness about the negative impacts of early marriage through community engagement and life skills education, promoting the benefits of delaying marriage until the legal age.
11. Can school-going girls also benefit from the scheme?
    • Answer: The primary focus is on out-of-school girls; however, school-going girls in need of nutritional or other support can also be considered based on specific criteria.
12. How does SAG contribute to a girl’s education?
    • Answer: By addressing malnutrition, providing life skills, and creating awareness, SAG encourages girls to continue their education and reduces dropout rates.
13. Does the scheme involve the parents or community in its programs?
    • Answer: Yes, community mobilization and awareness programs are integral parts of SAG, involving parents and community members to support the girls’ development.
14. How does SAG address issues of health and hygiene?
    • Answer: The scheme provides education on menstrual hygiene, personal care, reproductive health, and preventive healthcare practices to ensure the well-being of adolescent girls.
15. What are the expected outcomes of the scheme?
    • Answer: The expected outcomes include improved nutritional status, enhanced life skills, reduced school dropout rates, and empowered girls ready to make informed life choices.
16. What are the challenges faced by SAG?
    • Answer: Challenges include ensuring consistent participation, reaching girls in remote areas, and overcoming social barriers such as gender discrimination and early marriage practices.
17. How does the scheme link with other government programs?
    • Answer: SAG is linked with other initiatives like the National Health Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram to provide comprehensive support.
18. What is the role of Anganwadi Centers in the scheme?
    • Answer: Anganwadi Centers serve as the primary delivery points for SAG, providing nutritional support, health check-ups, and educational sessions to beneficiaries.
19. What is the impact of the scheme so far?
    • Answer: The scheme has positively impacted many adolescent girls by improving their nutrition, health awareness, and life skills, leading to better educational outcomes and reduced vulnerabilities.
20. How can the community support the success of SAG?
    • Answer: The community can support SAG by encouraging girls to participate, spreading awareness about the benefits, and actively engaging in the programs conducted by the scheme.