Here are detailed descriptions of various schemes and grants provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, focusing on aiding NGOs and other organizations working for the welfare and development of marginalized communities.
Assistance for Skill Development of OBCs/DNTs/EBCs
Objective: To improve the educational and socio-economic conditions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Denotified Tribes (DNTs), and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) by upgrading their skills for income generation activities or employment.
Target Group and Eligibility Criteria:
- Beneficiaries whose parents' or guardians' income, including the income of the beneficiary, does not exceed Rs. 1.00 lakh per annum.
Scope:
- Assistance is given to eligible voluntary organizations working for the welfare of OBCs/DNTs/EBCs.
How to Apply:
- Eligible NGOs should apply to the National Backward Classes Finance Development and Corporation (NBCFDC) from the financial year 2017-18.
Free Coaching for SC and OBC Students
Objective: To provide quality coaching for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to help them succeed in competitive exams and secure appropriate jobs in the public or private sectors.
Courses for Coaching:
- Group A and B examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs.
- Group A and B examinations conducted by State Public Service Commissions.
- Officers’ Grade examinations conducted by Banks, Insurance Companies, PSUs.
- Premier Entrance Examinations for Engineering, Medical, Management, Law, and other disciplines.
- Finishing courses/Job oriented courses for private sector employment, including IT and Biotechnology.
Implementing Agencies:
- Central Government/State Governments/UT Administrations/PSUs/autonomous bodies.
- Universities (both Central and State including private deemed universities).
- Registered private institutions/NGOs.
Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
Objectives:
- Create an enabling environment for equal opportunities and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
- Encourage voluntary action for effective implementation of the People with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities and Protection of Rights) Act of 1995.
Approach and Strategy:
- Financial assistance to voluntary organizations for a range of services including early intervention, education, skill development, training, and awareness generation.
- Support measures for promoting employment and income generation.
- Implementation of Community Based Rehabilitation programmes.
- Manpower development and resource centers.
Grants-in-Aid to NGOs:
- Vocational Training Centres, Special Schools, Projects for Cerebral Palsied Children, Pre-School and Early Intervention, Home-based Rehabilitation, etc.
- Up to 90% of the eligible grant for the project.
Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations Working for Scheduled Castes (SHRESHTA)
Objective:
- Enhance the reach of welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) by involving voluntary organizations to improve educational and socioeconomic conditions.
Scope:
- The SHRESHTA scheme provides seats for meritorious SC boys and girls in the best private residential schools in the country.
Financial Assistance:
- Tuition fee and residential charges up to Rs. 75,000 per annum per student for classes 9 and 10, and up to Rs. 1,25,000 per annum per student for classes 11 and 12.
Integrated Programme for Older Persons (Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana)
Objective:
- Improve the quality of life for Senior Citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, and entertainment.
Scope:
- Assistance to Panchayati Raj Institutions, local bodies, and eligible NGOs for programs catering to basic needs, intergenerational relationships, active ageing, institutional/non-institutional care, research, and advocacy in the field of ageing.
Financial Assistance:
- Up to 90% of the project cost.
Assistance to Voluntary Organizations for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse
Objective:
- Identification, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of addicts through voluntary and other eligible organizations.
Scope and Financial Assistance:
- Up to 90% of the approved expenditure for setting up/running Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCAs), Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs), and awareness camps.
- 95% assistance in North-Eastern States, Sikkim, and Jammu & Kashmir.
Funding Pattern for ASI
Quantum of ASI:
- Up to Rs. 10 lakh for infrastructure development and procurement of machinery/equipment.
Funding Conditions:
- 100% ASI for projects in Scheduled/Tribal Areas.
- 90% ASI for organizations in other areas.
- Future maintenance costs must be borne by the organization.
Description:
- One-time assistance for NGOs meeting specific criteria, with proposals examined by an internal Ministry Committee.
Development of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs)
Objective:
- Address the needs of the most vulnerable tribal groups with low literacy, stagnant populations, and pre-agricultural technology.
Scope:
- Funds for activities crucial for the survival, protection, and development of PTGs not covered by existing schemes.
Implementing Agency:
- ITDPs/ITDAs, TRIs, and capable NGOs with State Government coordination.
Pattern of Funding:
- 100% Central Sector Scheme with grants for a period of up to 3 years.
Grant-In-Aid to Voluntary Organizations
Objective:
- Enhance welfare schemes' reach and fill service gaps in tribal areas through voluntary organizations.
Scope and Eligibility:
- Registered NGOs with at least three years of experience in social welfare for STs.
- Autonomous bodies or Public Trusts registered for at least three years.
- Preference for service-deficient, naxal-affected, remote, or interior areas.
Strengthening Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts
Objective:
- Bridge the literacy gap between the general female population and tribal women by ensuring 100% enrollment and reducing dropouts among tribal girls.
Coverage:
- Implemented in 54 districts with ST population of 25% or more and ST female literacy rate below 35%.
Implementing Agency:
- VOs/NGOs and autonomous societies/institutions of State Governments/UTs.
Eligibility of Organizations:
- Registered for at least three years, with experience in running educational institutions, financial viability, good reputation, and networking with other institutions.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the respective ministry websites.
