Rajiv Gandhi Scheme For Empowerment Of Adolescent Girls – SABLA

Sabla – a comprehensive scheme called Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls – was introduced in 2010. Sabla is initially being implemented in 200 selected districts across the country. Sabla is being implemented by States Governments/UTs, with 100 per cent financial assistance from the Central Government for all inputs other than nutrition provision for which 50 per cent Central Assistance to States is provided. Anganwadi Centre is the focal point for delivery of all services under the scheme.

Objectives

• Enable the AGs (Anganwadi) for self-development and empowerment
• Improve their nutrition and health status
• Promote awareness about health, hygiene, nutrition, Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health (ARSH) and family and child care
• Upgrade their home-based skills, life skills and tie up with National Skill Development Program (NSDP) for vocational skills
• Mainstream out of school AGs into formal/non formal education
• Provide information/guidance about existing public services such as PHC, CHC, Post Office, Bank, Police Station, etc

Target Group

The Scheme covers adolescent girls in the age group of 11-18 years under all ICDS projects in selected 200 districts in all the States/UTs in the country. In order to give appropriate attention, the target group is subdivided into two categories, viz. 11-15 & 15-18 years and interventions planned accordingly.

The Scheme focuses on all out-of-school adolescent girls who would assemble at the Anganwadi Centre as per the time table and frequency decided by the States/UTs. The others, i.e., the school going girls would meet at the AWC (Anganwadi Centre) at least twice a month and more frequently during vacations/holidays, where they will receive life skill education, nutrition & health education, awareness about other socio-legal issues etc. This will give an opportunity for mixed group interaction between in-school and out-of-school girls, motivating the latter to join school.

Service

An integrated package of services is being provided to AGs

• Nutrition provision
• Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation
• Health check-up and Referral services
• Nutrition & Health Education (NHE)
• Counseling/Guidance on family welfare, ARSH, child care practices and home management
• Life Skill Education and accessing public services
• Vocational training for girls aged 16 and above under National Skill Development Program (NSDP)

Till the end of December 2011, a total of 11,149 adolescent girls have already been provided vocational training as part of Sabla. Upto 4,212 adolescent girls have been mainstreamed to the school system.