Questions raised over distribution of nutritional support to adolescent girls in Manipur under Scheme for Adolescent Girls

Allegations of large-scale mismanagement have surfaced in the implementation of the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) in Manipur for the financial year 2025–26, exposing serious discrepancies between the funds sanctioned and the nutritional support reaching the intended beneficiaries.
As per highly placed source data, an amount of Rs. 2,94,33,333 (Two crore ninety-four lakh thirty-three thousand three hundred thirty-three)comprising Rs. 2,64,90,000 (Two crore sixty-four lakh ninety thousand)as Central Share (CS) and Rs. 29,43,333 (Twenty-nine lakh forty-three thousand three hundred thirty-three) as State Matching Share (SMS) was sanctioned for the first quarter, covering 75 days of implementation. The total sanctioned fund is expected to be released in four quarters to cover the full 300 days of the scheme. The SAG is being implemented by the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur, through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) network across 43 projects in 16 districts of Manipur, with funds transferred directly to the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs) for disbursement through Anganwadi Centres.
The 43 ICDS projects in Manipur are located in the following areas: Bishnupur, Moirang, Imphal West-I, Imphal West-II, Imphal City, Imphal East-I, Imphal East-II, Thoubal, Lilong, Kakching, Jiribam, Churachandpur, Singhat, Henglep, Samulamlan, Saikot, Sangaikot, Tuibong, Thanlon, Parbung, Vangai Range, Ukhrul, Chingai, Lungchong Meiphai, Kamjong, Phungyar, Kasom Khullen, Chandel, Chakpikarong, Khengjoy, Tengnoupal, Machi, Mao Maram, Paomata, Purul, Kangpokpi, Saitu Gamphazol, Saikul, Tamenglong, Tousem, Tamei, Nungba, and Khoupum.
Under the guidelines, each adolescent girl aged 14 to 18 years is entitled to 600 calories, 18–20 grams of protein, and recommended daily micronutrients per day. This nutritional support is provided in the form of Take-Home Ration (THR) or Hot Cooked Meals, at a financial norm of Rs. 9.50 per beneficiary per day for 300 days, inclusive of the cost of micronutrient fortification. The ration is meant to be fortified, age-specific, and clearly labelled to ensure it is consumed by the intended beneficiaries.
However, ground-level reports suggest a troubling reality. Beneficiaries across several districts have complained of not receiving the full nutritional support. In some areas, they receive only partial nutrients, far below the prescribed amounts. Disturbingly, some Anganwadi workers reportedly capture photos of beneficiaries receiving the ration, raising concerns that appearance of compliance is being prioritized over actual delivery of nutrition. In many locations, no Take-Home Ration or hot meal distribution has taken place for months. When approached, Anganwadi workers and supervisors claimed that they deliver exactly what the department provides, and are not responsible for the beneficiaries not receiving the full prescribed nutrition. Many Anganwadi workers have reportedly admitted to not being aware of the exact quantity or composition of the nutritional supplements they are supposed to provide. This lack of clarity and accountability has led to wide disparities in implementation.
Adding to the concern, a high-level source revealed that a portion of the sanctioned funds is allegedly being siphoned off by officials, with only the remaining amount reaching the actual beneficiaries. The same source indicated that certain percentages of funds are reportedly returned to higher authorities within the department, a serious allegation that, if verified, could expose a deep-rooted network of corruption and misuse of public funds. There are also reports suggesting that some high-level officials may be benefiting from the ongoing President’s Rule in Manipur, raising further questions about political interference and misuse of administrative powers.
The mismanagement raises critical questions about the monitoring and transparency mechanisms in the ICDS framework. Despite the government’s emphasis on nutritional security for adolescent girls, a group highly vulnerable to malnutrition and anemia, the scheme’s effectiveness appears severely compromised in practice.
Immediate public audit and further independent investigation into the utilization of funds under SAG is must needed one. Civil Society Organizations, Activist should also demanded greater transparency, including public disclosure of fund disbursement records, beneficiary lists, and nutritional delivery data.