To address the problem of under-nutrition among adolescent girls and pregnant women and lactating mothers, the Planning Commission, in the year 2002-03, launched the Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG), on a Pilot Project basis in 51 districts in the country. Under this scheme, 6 kg. of food-grains were given to under nourished adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Eligibility was determined on the basis of their weight. The Pilot Project was continued in the year 2003-04 also. It, however, could not be continued in the year 2004-05. The Government approved the implementation of NPAG, through the Department of Women and Child Development, in 51 backward districts identified by the Planning Commission in the year 2005-06 to provide 6 kg of free food-grains to undernourished adolescent girls only (pregnant women & lactating mothers are not covered as these are targeted under ICDS). The scheme is being continued for the Annual Plan 2006-07 on pilot project basis.

The funds are given as 100% grant to States/UTs so that they can provide food grains through the Public Distribution System free of cost to the families of identified undernourished persons. The success of the intervention is dependent on effective linkages with the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Target Group: Adolescent girls (11-19 years) (weight < 35 Kg).

Services: (i) 6 kg of free food-grains (wheat/rice/Maize based on habitual consumption pattern of the state) /per month per beneficiary.

(ii) Nutrition and Health Education to the beneficiaries and their families.

 

Financial Assistance: Special Additional Central Assistance (on 100% grant basis)

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