Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs
This central government scheme provides grants to registered NGOs running skill development and income-generation programs for Other Backward Class (OBC) communities in India. The government can fund up to 90% of approved project costs, helping NGOs train OBC individuals in trades like carpentry, computer skills, electrical work, welding, and more. Register on the NGO-DARPAN portal, then apply with your project proposal at grants-msje.gov.in.
About This Scheme
This central government scheme provides grants to registered NGOs running skill development and income-generation programs for Other Backward Class (OBC) communities in India. The government can fund up to 90% of approved project costs, helping NGOs train OBC individuals in trades like carpentry, computer skills, electrical work, welding, and more. Register on the NGO-DARPAN portal, then apply with your project proposal at grants-msje.gov.in.
Full official 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.
Benefits
- Government grants covering up to 90% of approved project expenditure
- First installment: up to 75% of approved grant upon submission of required documents
- Second installment: released on receipt of audited accounts and utilization certificates
- PSUs or other organizations can receive up to 30% of project costs
- Priority given to projects in backward districts and SAGY (Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana) villages
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Organization must be registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 or relevant State/UT Act
- Must have been registered for at least 3 years (can be waived in exceptional cases)
- Must maintain a bank account in the organization's name for at least 3 years
- Must not be a profit-making entity
- Must have at least 2 years of experience in the relevant field
- Projects should be in backward districts identified by the Planning Commission
- End beneficiaries must be from Central or State OBC lists with annual family income not exceeding ₹1 lakh
How to Apply
Firstly, NGOs Generate Unique ID
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
I****st Step: Input NGO/Entity Name exactly similar as given on PAN Card, Email and Mobile numbers should be working and accessible for OTPs.
2****nd Step: PAN of NGO/Entity needs to be given which will be matched with the name of NGO/Entity given in Step 1- 3****rd Step: Password can only be created when Step 2 is passed successfully
Registration Process
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.
Application Process
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
Registered societies, public trusts, charitable companies, and public bodies with at least three years of registration and two years' experience in the relevant field.
What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
Must belong to the Central or state/UT OBC list and have an annual family income not exceeding [?]1 lakh.
What types of projects are covered under the scheme?
Skill development projects such as Carpentry, Computer Education, Diesel Pump Set Repairing, Electrical Training, and more.
How can organizations apply for the scheme?
Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment's website with necessary recommendations and documents.
How are funds released under the scheme?
Funds are released in installments, with up to 75% released initially and the balance on receipt of audited accounts and utilization certificates.
What is the role of State Committees?
To examine project proposals, inspect reports, and ensure the necessity and viability of funding the projects.
What are the conditions for maintaining accounts?
Separate accounts must be maintained for the grants, open to checks by Government officers and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Can grants be adjusted or refunded?
Yes, unutilized portions of grants must be refunded or adjusted against future grants.
Are there any conditions for the selection of courses?
Courses should match job demand in the specific area, and quality and employability must be surveyed quarterly.
What reservations apply to personnel selection?
Reservations for OBCs in posts on the lines of Central Government services.
What certificates are provided to trainees?
NCVT certificates as mandated by the National Commission for Skill Development.
What percentage of trainees should be women?
At least 50% of the trainees should be women.
What happens in case of a dispute?
The decision taken by the Ministry shall be binding on the agencies.
Can capital equipment be disposed of without approval?
No, prior approval of the Government is required for disposing of any capital equipment purchased with grants.
What happens if incorrect information is provided by the organization?
The grant may be canceled or reduced, and the organization may be asked to refund the grant with interest.
How is the scheme reviewed and updated?
The scheme is reviewed quarterly at the level of Joint Secretary to add more courses and enhance employability for OBCs.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- 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