Scheme for Adolescent Girls- Bihar

Description
The scheme "Scheme for Adolescent Girls" has been implemented in Bihar since 2011 through the Anganwadi centers under the Integrated Child Development Project ICDS . Under this scheme, adolescent girls aged 11 to 14 years who are not attending school receive a monthly take-home ration along with skill development training. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with a funding ratio of 50:50 between the Central and State governments. The main objective of the scheme is to improve the level of health, nutrition, and education by providing support to adolescent girls so that they can become self-reliant and aware. The objective of this scheme is as follows:- - To assist in self-development and empowerment of adolescent girls. - To improve their nutrition and health status. - To raise awareness about health, hygiene, and nutrition. - To reintegrate out-of-school adolescent girls into the formal education system or develop alternative education/skills. - To develop their home-based skills and life skills. - To provide information and guidance about available public services such as Primary Health Centres, Rural Hospitals/Community Health Centres, Post Offices, Banks, Police Stations, etc.

Benefits
• Under this scheme, beneficiaries receive a monthly take-home ration (THR) along with skill development training.
• The following benefits are provided to beneficiaries under both nutritional and non-nutritional items:
• **Nutritional items:** Rice, eggs, and soybeans are provided as THR to adolescent girls. Nutritious items are provided for 25 days each month. - **Non-nutritional items:** These include Iron Folic Acid supplements, comprehensive health check-ups and referral services, health and nutrition education, reintegration of out-of-school adolescent girls into the formal education system or mainstreaming through alternative education/skills development, life skills education, home management training, and counseling/guidance for accessing public services.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The beneficiary should be a resident of Bihar.
2. The beneficiary should be an adolescent girl aged between 11 and 14 years.
3. The beneficiary should not be currently attending school.

Required Documents
• Identity proof of applicant i.e. Aadhaar Card
• Proof of age i.e. Birth certificate
• Address proof
• Any additional documents as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: The scheme is for adolescent girls aged 11-14 years who reside in Bihar and are not attending school.

Q: What benefits are provided under the scheme?
A: Beneficiaries receive a monthly take-home ration, including rice, eggs, and soybeans, along with skill development training, life skills education, health check-ups, Iron Folic Acid supplements, and counseling.

Q: How is the take-home ration (THR) distributed?
A: The THR, which consists of rice, eggs, and soybeans, is distributed every month for 25 days to ensure adequate nutrition.

Q: What is the objective of the scheme?
A: The scheme aims to empower adolescent girls, improve their health and nutrition, raise awareness about hygiene, reintegrate them into the education system, and provide information about public services.

Q: How does the scheme help out-of-school girls?
A: It reintegrates out-of-school girls into formal education or provides skill-based alternative education to help them become self-reliant.

Q: How can one apply for the scheme?
A: To apply, eligible girls must register at their nearest Anganwadi center.

Q: What is the funding mechanism of the scheme?
A: The scheme is funded on a 50:50 basis between the Central and State governments.

Q: Can girls aged 15 and above benefit from the scheme?
A: No, the scheme is only for adolescent girls aged 11-14 who are not attending school.

Q: What happens if a girl starts attending school after joining the scheme?
A: Once a girl resumes schooling, she is no longer eligible for the scheme.

Q: Who is responsible for the implementation of the scheme?
A: The scheme is implemented by the Social Welfare Department of Bihar through the Anganwadi centers under the ICDS project.

Q: How are the scheme's grievances addressed?
A: Complaints can be filed with Public Grievance Redressal Officers at various levels, including subdivision, district, and state, or directly with the Child Development Project Officer.