The 'Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls' (NPAG) will be continued in the year 2008-09 as it has gained the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA). The CCEA has also permitted the releasing of funds as Central Assistance on 100 per cent grant basis to States and Union Territories out of the allocated amount of Rs.162.77 crore for this fiscal year. The program will be conducted on Pilot Project basis in 51 Districts as per existing guidelines but minimal changes will also be implemented.
Under NPAG, all under-nourished adolescent girls, falling in the age group of 11 to 19 years, as identified by body weight would be covered, irrespective of financial status of the family to which they belong.Free food-grains of 6 kg per beneficiary per month, at below poverty lines (BPL) rates, would be provided to the beneficiaries.
For identification of the beneficiaries, two cut off weights -- 30 kg for those below 15 years of age and 35 kg for over 15 years of age would be used.
Besides free food-grains, the identified girls are also to be provided, if required, services like Nutrition and Health Education for them and their families, and Regular Health check-up and referral services.
With the implementation of this project, the nutritional status of the adolescent girls in the selected districts is expected to improve.
The pilot project was launched by the Planning Commission in 2002.
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