New Delhi, Sep 11 - India will soon launch a new scheme for adolescent girls with an aim to improve their health and nutrition status, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath said here Friday.

'We will soon launch a new scheme 'SABLA' for girls in the age group of 11-18 years,' Tirath told reporters, as she listed the achievements of her ministry during the last 100 days.

'The scheme also aims to empower them. The scheme will be launched very soon,' she added.

Tirath said the Planning Commission has earmarked Rs.45 billion for this scheme for the 11th Five Year Plan.

The minister said the government will also launch a national mission for empowerment of women (NMEW), which will act as a single window for all women related programmes and schemes to ensure that they get quick benefits.

'In order to ensure holistic empowerment of women, the government has prepared a proposal to set up the NMEW. The mission will ensure convergence of various schemes and programmes for the development and welfare of the women,' Tirath said.

'After consultation with the various stakeholders, the ministry has prepared a concept note and further action is being taken to formally launch the mission,' she added.

The minister said they are also considering a social security scheme for housewives in collaboration with the insurance agencies.