Scheme of Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Social Defence Services: General Grant-in-Aid Programme for Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence
This Ministry of Social Justice scheme funds NGOs and voluntary organizations running de-addiction centers, drug rehabilitation programs, or innovative social welfare projects that fall outside the scope of regular ministry schemes. Grants cover up to 90–100% of project costs including staff salaries, infrastructure, and beneficiary maintenance. Apply to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the prescribed format.
About This Scheme
This Ministry of Social Justice scheme funds NGOs and voluntary organizations running de-addiction centers, drug rehabilitation programs, or innovative social welfare projects that fall outside the scope of regular ministry schemes. Grants cover up to 90–100% of project costs including staff salaries, infrastructure, and beneficiary maintenance. Apply to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the prescribed format.
Full official description
"Scheme of Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Social Defence Services" by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, came into existence on 15th October 2008 through the merger of two Central Sector Schemes: the 'Scheme for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse' and 'General Grant in Aid Programme for Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence.' The scheme's objectives include creating awareness about the ill effects of alcoholism and substance abuse, as well as providing a comprehensive range of community-based services for indemnification, motivation, counselling, de-addiction, aftercare, and rehabilitation for whole-person recovery (WPR) of addicts.
The Sub-Scheme "General Grant-in-Aid Programme for Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence" aims to meet urgent needs falling within the mandate of the Ministry which cannot be met under its regular schemes and support such initiatives of an innovative/pilot nature in the area of welfare and empowerment of the Ministry’s target groups, as cannot be supported under its regular schemes. Financial assistance is given up to 90% of the approved expenditure to the voluntary and other eligible organizations. In the case of an organization working in a relatively new area where both voluntary and Government effort is very limited but the need for the service is very great, the Government may bear up to 100% of the cost.
Illustrative Intervention Areas
Projects to tackle problem areas that are relatively underserviced but for which there is an urgent need.
Projects that fill in essential gaps in existing services and complement them to maximize their impact.
Projects that provide integrated services, where all components need not be financially supported by one source.
Projects that offer preventive, protective, development, and rehabilitative services.
Projects to mobilize public opinion and support to address pressing social problems.
Projects for training workers in social welfare activities.
Projects not covered by any of the existing schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
Benefits
- Up to 90% of approved project cost covered by the Ministry (organization contributes 10%)
- In new or underserviced areas: up to 100% of costs covered by the Government
- Building grants capped at ₹10 lakh; non-recurring grants capped at ₹10 lakh per year
- Staff costs covered: Project Director ₹8,400/month, Social Worker ₹4,200/month, Doctor (part-time) ₹6,000/month
- Beneficiary maintenance: ₹600/month diet, ₹1,000/year clothing, ₹150/month washing, ₹400/year books and stationery
- Funds disbursed in 2 installments: 70% upfront, 30% balance on documentation submission
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a registered Society (Societies Registration Act 1860), charitable non-profit company, public trust, or recognized voluntary organization
- Must have at least 2 years of experience in the relevant welfare area
- Must have a properly constituted managing body with defined powers and responsibilities
- Must not be operating for profit for any individual or group
- Universities, research institutes, statutory bodies (Panchayati Raj, Municipal Corporations), Red Cross branches are also eligible
How to Apply
Step 1: Application Submission
Interested organizations should complete the application in the prescribed format, attach the required documents, and send it to the authority designated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Step 2: Inspection and Processing
Upon receiving the application, a designated agency will conduct an inspection. Based on the inspection report, the proposal will be processed.
Step 3: Grant Disbursement
Grants will be provided in two installments. The first installment, covering 70% of the sanctioned amount, will be released upon receipt of the prescribed documentation. The remaining 30% will be released as the second installment upon receiving the required documentation.
Step 4: Continuity Bond
Before receiving assistance from the Government of India, the organization must execute a continuity bond, valid for 5 years. This bond states that in case of non-compliance with grant conditions, the organization is liable to refund the grant amount decided by the Government, with interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the continuity bond ensure compliance with grant conditions?
The bond obligates organizations to adhere to grant conditions, and failure to comply may lead to a refund of the grant with interest.
What costs are covered in maintenance charges for beneficiaries?
Maintenance charges include diet, bedding material, uniform/clothing, washing, books & stationery, and water & electricity charges.
How do organizations confirm the acquisition of a site for building construction?
Organizations must furnish a certificate confirming the acquisition of a site; the grant cannot be used for land purchase.
How many years of experience should an organization have to qualify for assistance?
An organization should have at least two years of experience in the related area or demonstrate competence to undertake the proposed scheme.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
Eligible organizations include registered societies, charitable non-profit-making companies, public trusts, non-official organizations involved in social welfare, and certain statutory bodies.
What are the criteria for an organization to receive 100% government funding?
Organizations operating in new areas with limited efforts but substantial demand may receive 100% government funding.
How much financial assistance can voluntary organizations receive for approved expenditure?
Voluntary organizations can receive up to 90% of the approved expenditure.
What is the ceiling for non-recurring grant-in-aid under the scheme?
The ceiling for non-recurring grant-in-aid is [?]10,00,000 per annum per project.
What is the limitation on the government grant for building construction?
The government grant for building construction is limited to [?]10,00,000.
What are the eligible items for which organizations can receive assistance?
Eligible items include construction of buildings, salaries of staff, equipment and furniture, delivery-related charges, stipends for trainees, and other necessary expenses.
What does "whole-person recovery (WPR)" refer to?
Whole-person recovery encompasses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of recovery from addiction.
When did the "Scheme of Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse and for Social Defence Services" come into existence?
The scheme came into existence on 15th October 2008.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- ##### **For Building Construction**
- > **Submission of Initial Building Plans and Estimates**
- A copy of the site plans/layout of the proposed building, along with a rough sketch indicating the building's design, the area to be covered, and an estimated cost of construction should be submitted at this stage.
- > **Site Acquisition Confirmation**
- A certificate confirming that a site for building construction has been acquired by the voluntary organization or institution must be furnished at the time of the application. No grant will be sanctioned if a site hasn't been acquired. The grant cannot be used for the purchase of land.
- > **After Building Completion (to be furnished to the Central Government)**
- A certificate confirming that the building has been completed according to the approved plans and estimates.
- A statement of the expenditure incurred on the construction of the building, duly audited by authorized auditors.
- ##### **During Application**
- Statement of the problem the project aims to address.
- Objectives of the project.
- Geographical area of operation.
- Targeted beneficiary group.
- Description of services to be offered, including any charges for beneficiaries.
- Expected project outcomes.
- The organization's expertise and experience in implementing such programs.
- Cost estimates, broken down by recurring and non-recurring items, for each year, including staff salaries and allowances.