MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI THAWAAR CHAND GEHLOT)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
Statement referred to in Reply to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 183 for 10-03-2015.
(a) The Government provides grants-in-aid to Non Government Organisations (NGOs) for implementing various Schemes for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Senior Citizens, Victims of alcoholism and sub- stance abuse and Persons with Disabilities under the following schemes:-
I. Scheme of Grant-in-aid to Voluntary and other Organizations Working for Scheduled Castes The main objective behind the scheme is to involve the voluntary sector and training insti- tutions of repute to improve educational and socioeconomic conditions of the target group i.e. Scheduled Castes with a view to upgrade skill to enable them to start income generating activities on their own or get gainfully employed in some sector or the other.
II. Scheme of Free Coaching for SC and OBC Students
The objective of the Scheme is to provide qualitative coaching for Group-A&B examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, Railway Recruitment Boards, State Public Service Commissions, Officers Grade Examinations conducted by banks, insurance companies, PSUs and finishing course/job oriented course for employment in the private sector in fields, such as, IT, bio-technology, etc.
III. Assistance to Voluntary Organizations working for welfare of OBCs
The aim of the scheme is to involve the voluntary sector to improve educational and socio- economic conditions of the target group i.e. OBCs, with a view to upgrade skill to enable them to start income generating activities on their own or get gainfully employed in some sector or the other.
IV. Integrated Programme for Older Persons The main objective of the Scheme is to improve the quality of life of the Older Persons by provi- ding basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing through providing support for capacity building of Government / Non-Governmental Organizations / Panchayati Raj Institutions / local bodies and the Community at large.
V. Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse
The objectives of the Scheme are:
i) To create awareness and educate people about the ill-effects of alcoholism and substance abuse on the individual, the family, the workplace and society at large;
ii) To provide for the whole range of community based services for the identification, motivation, counseling, de-addiction, after care and rehabili- tation for Whole Person Recovery (WPR) of addicts to make a person drug free, crime free and gainfully employed.
iii) To alleviate the consequences of drug and alcohol dependence amongst the individual, the family and society at large;
iv) To facilitate research, training, documentation and collection of relevant information to strengthen the above mentioned objectives; and
v) To support other activities which are in consonance with the mandate of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in this field.
VI. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP)
The main objective of the Scheme is to assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable, sophisticated and scientifically manufactured, modern, standard aids and appliances to promote physical, social, psychological reha- bilitation of Persons with Disabilities by reducing the effects of disabilities and at the same time enhance their economic potential. Assistive devices are given to PwDs with an aim to improve their independent functioning, and to arrest the extent of disability and occurrence of secondary disability.
VII. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
(i) To create an enabling environment to ensure equal opportunities, equity, social justice and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
(ii) To encourage voluntary action for ensuring effective implementation of the People with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities and Protection of Rights) Act of 1995.
(b) The details of State-wise assistance provided to NGOs during the previous financial year and the current year is given at annexure I(a-g) hereto. The information in respect of NGO-wise release is being compiled and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(c) The Ministry conducts evaluation/ monitoring of the schemes to enhance transparency and accountability in the following manner:
(i) Fresh/subsequent releases of grants to imple- menting agencies during a year are made only on receipt of Utilization Certificates in respect of previous year’s grants.
(ii) Review of schemes/programmes by the officers of the Ministry during their visits to the States.
(iii) The schemes / programmes implemented through NGOs are monitored by respective State Governments/UT Administrations.
(iv) The Ministry sponsors evaluation studies from time to time through independent evaluation agencies, inter alia, to check efficacy of the scheme and check proper utilization of funds by the implementing agencies under various Schemes / Programmes,
(v) Inspection of NGOs across all States / UTs by officers of the Ministry.
(vi) Periodic review meetings are held at the level of Minister and senior officers with their counterparts in the States/UTs, including through video conferences, and
(vii) An Online process portal has been instituted since 1-4-2014 for online submission of applications for grants and subsequent processing online at district level, State level and in Ministry, for enhancing efficiency and transparency in the disposal of grants.
In the event of proven misappropriation of funds by an NGO, the Ministry initiates action to blacklist that NGO. The deficiencies found during the review and monitoring process are mainly non-submission of utilization certificates in time and inadequate book keeping by the grantee organisations. Show-cause notices have been issued to 87 NGOs and 10 NGOs were blacklisted during the period in question. The State-wise break-up of such NGOs is given at annexure-II hereto.
(d) State Government`s recommendation supported by report of inspection by District officials is insisted upon while processing and releasing subsequent grants to an NGO. From time to time, surprise inspections are also conducted by the officials to ascertain whether NGOs are functioning properly and grants being utilised for the purpose for which granted.
Download PDF Files
