(a) whether the Animal Welfare Board of India gives financial assistance to eligible Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs) for regular schemes;
(b) if so, the details of eligible AWOs and the regular schemes under which they have been given financial assistance during the last three years; and
(c) the mechanism to ensure proper utilisation of the financial assistance provided?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Details of eligible Animal Welfare Organizations which have been given financial assistance during the last three years can be accessed at `www.awbi.org` the official website of Animal Welfare Board of India, Chennai. The regular schemes under which they have been given financial assistance are as under:-
(i) Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Plan Scheme. (ii) Scheme for provision of Shelter Houses for looking after the animals. (iii) Scheme for Provision of Ambulance Services to Animals in Distress. (iv) Scheme for Animal Birth Control (ABC ) and Immunization of stray Dogs. (v) Scheme for Relief to Animals during Natural Calamities and Unforeseen Circumstances(c) Under the Shelter House Scheme, grants are released to the Animal Welfare Organisations (AWO) after inspection is carried out by the Animal Husbandry Department of the state and if a favourable inspection report is received from them. The organisations have to furnish the Utilisation Certificate(UC), audited accounts and also completion certificate certified by the chartered valuer and colour photograph of the constructed project. Thereafter, inspection is carried out before the release of second instalment and also after the completion of the project. In respect of ABC Scheme, apart from the UC and audited accounts and bills, the sterilization certificate is obtained from the local body. In respect of the Ambulance Scheme, apart from the UC and audited accounts, the organisations also have to furnish photograph of the vehicle, copy of the registration certificate, invoice and insurance papers as proof of purchase of vehicle. In respect of the regular grant, the organisations furnish the UC and audited accounts. For Natural Calamity relief grants, the organisations furnish the UC, audited accounts, photograph of relief work done and bills of the purchases made for fodder etc.