Question : FUNDS TO NGOS

(a) whether the Government encourages Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for participating in environmental projects and to spread the environmental awareness in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the criteria fixed for selection of NGO for these schemes;

(c) the details of the NGOs in the country receiving grants under various schemes under his Ministry during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(d) the details of the schemes alongwith the amount sanctioned against each of these schemes during the said period, State-wise;

(e) whether cases of irregularities regarding misuse of funds have been reported; and

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The following schemes of the Ministry of Environment & Forests encourage the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to participate in environmental projects and to spread the environmental awareness in the country:

1. Research and Development Scheme (R&D);

2. National Natural Resources Management Scheme (NNRMS);

3. Environment Information System (ENVIS) Scheme;

4. Grant in Aid to National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA);

5. National River Conservation Project (NRCP);

6. Strengthening of Wildlife Division and Consultancies for Special Tasks;

7 Assistance for Abatement of Pollution;

8. Animal Welfare;

9. Environment Education, Awareness & Training;

10. Centres of Excellence;

11. Grants-in-Aid to Greening India Scheme of the National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board.

The criteria for funding requires the voluntary/ professional/ Non-Governmental organization having proven credential, and experience in environmental/ social fields and registered under the Societies Registration Act to have a properly constituted Managing Body with its powers, duties and responsibilities clearly defined and laid down in a written constitution/ by-laws and having a sound financial position to take up the project.

(c) & (d): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(e) & (f): Complaints whenever received are examined and appropriate action, including legal action for refund of grants and blacklisting of the NGO, if necessary, is taken in each case.