Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs

Description
The central sector scheme "Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs" was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The scheme aims to involve the voluntary sector to improve the educational and socio-economic conditions of the target group i.e. OBCs, to upgrade skills to enable them to start income-generating activities on their own or get gainfully employed in some sector or the other. The projects can be implemented in villages under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana SAGY . Types of Activities Covered Carpentry, Computer Education, Craft Centre, Dari making Training, Diesel Pump set repairing, Electrical training, Fruit Preservation Training, Gem cutting, Welding and Fitter training, Photography, Plumbing, Printing, composing and book binding, Scooter, motorcycle and auto-rickshaw repairing, Spinning and weaving, Typing and shorthand, Tie and dye training, Leather art, Denting and spray painting, TV, VCR and radio repair.

Exclusions
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Benefits
• Financial support for skill development projects aimed at improving socio-economic conditions of OBCs.
• Simplified and transparent application and approval process.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective utilization of funds.
• Support for NGOs to enhance their capacity and expand their reach.
• Encouragement of self-employment and gainful employment for OBCs.
• Priority given to projects in backward districts and villages under SAGY.
• Government may cover up to 90% of approved project expenditure.
• PSUs or other organizations limited to 30% of project cost for skill development programs.
• First installment up to 75% on submission of necessary documents.
• Second installment on receipt of audited accounts and utilization certificates.

Eligibility Criteria
1. > **For the Organization:**
2. Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (XXI of 1860) or any relevant Act of the State/Union Territory/Public trust.
3. The organization should have an appropriate administrative structure and managing/executive committee.
4. The organization should be democratically governed without external control.
5. The organization must be registered for at least three years (waivable in exceptional cases).
6. The organization should maintain a bank account in the organization’s name for at least three years.
7. The organization should not be run for profit by any individual or a body of individuals.
8. <br>
9. > **The following criteria would be kept in view while selecting the new VOs/NGOs:**
10. Experience of at least two years in the relevant field.
11. Projects should be in Backward Districts identified by the Planning Commission.
12. <br>
13. > **For the Beneficiaries:**
14. The beneficiary must belong to the Central or state/UT OBC list.
15. The beneficiary&#39;s annual family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000/-..

Application Process
Step 1: Step-01: The applicant visits the NGO-DARPAN Portal to register yourself
Step-02: Go to the tab "Register your NGO".
Step-03: Fill up the registration form "Sign UP". There are a total 3 steps for creating an account at Portal
Ist Step: Input NGO/…
Online

Step-01: The applicant visits the NGO-DARPAN Portal to register yourself
Step-02: Go to the tab "Register your NGO".
Step-03: Fill up the registration form "Sign UP". There are a total 3 steps for creating an account at Portal
Ist Step: Input NGO/Entity Name exactly similar as given on PAN Card, Email and Mobile numbers should be working and accessible for OTPs.
2nd Step: PAN of NGO/Entity needs to be given which will be matched with the name of NGO/Entity given in Step 1
3rd Step: Password can only be created when Step 2 is passed successfully
Step-01: NGOs register online to apply for grants-in-aid administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Step-02: Fill up the Unique ID, and PAN Number.
Step-03: Generate the OTP and after filling the OTP, Captcha.
Step-04: NGOs get the registration ID.
Step-01: The registered NGO Login with the login ID and password.
Step-02: Proceed with the entry of online proposals in the prescribed format.
Step-03: NGOs must enter bank details mandatorily.
Step-04: Upload mandatory documents as per the Ministry's requirements.
Step-05: Save drafts to check correctness before final submission.
Step-06: Once submitted, no further changes are allowed.
Step-07: Completed applications will be assigned a Unique ID.
Step-08: Generate and print the acknowledgment receipt.

Required Documents
• NGO Pan Card
• Utilization Certificate
• Audited/Unaudited Accounts of the Previous Year
• Budget Estimates for the Current Financial Year
• Performance Report with Statistical Data for the Previous Year

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
A: Registered societies, public trusts, charitable companies, and public bodies with at least three years of registration and two years' experience in the relevant field.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
A: Must belong to the Central or state/UT OBC list and have an annual family income not exceeding [?]1 lakh.

Q: What types of projects are covered under the scheme?
A: Skill development projects such as Carpentry, Computer Education, Diesel Pump Set Repairing, Electrical Training, and more.

Q: How can organizations apply for the scheme?
A: Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment's website with necessary recommendations and documents.

Q: How are funds released under the scheme?
A: Funds are released in installments, with up to 75% released initially and the balance on receipt of audited accounts and utilization certificates.

Q: What is the role of State Committees?
A: To examine project proposals, inspect reports, and ensure the necessity and viability of funding the projects.

Q: What are the conditions for maintaining accounts?
A: Separate accounts must be maintained for the grants, open to checks by Government officers and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Q: Can grants be adjusted or refunded?
A: Yes, unutilized portions of grants must be refunded or adjusted against future grants.

Q: Are there any conditions for the selection of courses?
A: Courses should match job demand in the specific area, and quality and employability must be surveyed quarterly.

Q: What reservations apply to personnel selection?
A: Reservations for OBCs in posts on the lines of Central Government services.

Q: What certificates are provided to trainees?
A: NCVT certificates as mandated by the National Commission for Skill Development.

Q: What percentage of trainees should be women?
A: At least 50% of the trainees should be women.

Q: What happens in case of a dispute?
A: The decision taken by the Ministry shall be binding on the agencies.

Q: Can capital equipment be disposed of without approval?
A: No, prior approval of the Government is required for disposing of any capital equipment purchased with grants.

Q: What happens if incorrect information is provided by the organization?
A: The grant may be canceled or reduced, and the organization may be asked to refund the grant with interest.

Q: How is the scheme reviewed and updated?
A: The scheme is reviewed quarterly at the level of Joint Secretary to add more courses and enhance employability for OBCs.