Centre approves implementation of empowerment scheme SABLA for adolescent girls
merisarkar news service
New Delhi, August 16, 2010
CCEA approved SABLA scheme for adolescent girls
In a significant decision, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Monday gave its approval for the implementation of the Rajiv Gandhi scheme for the empowerment of adolescent girls.
The scheme called SABLA which is to be implemented in 200 select districts will benefit the girls between the ages of 11 to 18 years.
The scheme which is aimed at enhancing the nutritional and economic status of adolescent girls will be implemented through the platform of Anganwadi centres of the Integrated Child Development Services, ICDS. Under the scheme the adolescent girls will be provided Take Home Ration, THR.
However, if the states insist on providing hot cooked meal standards will have to be set for the same. This should include 600 calories and 18 to 20 gram of protein at the rate of five rupees per beneficiary per day for 300 days in a year for girls between the age of 11 to 14 who are out of schools and all girls in the age group of 15 to 18.
The government will also explore the feasibility of implementing conditional cash transfer schemes as an alternative for adolescent girls in 100 more districts. The Centre and the state will equally share the cost of the scheme.
The Centre has allocated 4500 crore rupees for the remaining period of 11th Five Year Plan. In the initial years upto 1.15 crore adolescent girls are expected to be covered under the scheme every year during the 11th Plan.
