The “Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs” is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The objective of the scheme is to support voluntary organizations (NGOs/VOs) in improving the educational and socio-economic conditions of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by providing financial assistance for skill development programs.
The scheme aims to:
- Enhance employability and self-sufficiency among OBCs.
- Promote skill development through vocational training and entrepreneurship.
- Encourage the voluntary sector in uplifting backward communities.
- Focus on rural and backward areas, particularly villages under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
Types of Activities Covered
The scheme funds projects related to skill training in various income-generating activities, including:
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 & Book Binding
Scooter, Motorcycle & Auto-Rickshaw Repairing
Spinning & Weaving
Typing & Shorthand
Tie & Dye Training
Leather Art
Denting & Spray Painting
TV, VCR & Radio Repair
Benefits of the Scheme
Financial support for skill development projects for the socio-economic empowerment of OBCs.
Simplified and transparent application process through online portals.
Regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective fund utilization.
Encouragement of self-employment and job-oriented training.
Priority for projects in backward districts and villages under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
Extent of Assistance:
- Government may cover up to 90% of approved project expenditure.
- Public Sector Units (PSUs) or other organizations receive up to 30% of the project cost for skill development programs.
- First installment (up to 75%) is provided upon submission of required documents.
- Second installment is released upon submission of audited accounts and utilization certificates.
Eligibility Criteria
For the Organization (NGO/VOs):
- Must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or any other relevant Act applicable in a state/UT.
- Should have a functioning administrative structure and a managing/executive committee.
- Must be democratically governed without external control.
- Must be registered for at least three years (waivable in exceptional cases).
- Should maintain a bank account in the organization’s name for at least three years.
- Must not operate for profit.
Selection Criteria for NGOs/VOs:
- Minimum two years of experience in the relevant field.
- Preference for projects in backward districts identified by the Planning Commission.
For the Beneficiaries:
Must belong to the Central or State/UT OBC list.
The annual family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000/-.
Application Process
Online Registration (NGO DARPAN Portal)
Step 1: Generate Unique ID
Visit the NGO-DARPAN Portal.
Click on “Register your NGO”.
Fill out the registration form in 3 steps:
- Step 1: Enter NGO Name (as per PAN Card), Email, and Mobile Number.
- Step 2: Provide PAN Number of the NGO.
- Step 3: Create a password after successful verification.
Step 2: Register for Government Grants
NGOs must register online to apply for grants-in-aid from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Provide Unique ID and PAN Number.
Generate OTP and enter the Captcha Code.
Get a registration ID after completing the process.
Step 3: Submit the Application
- Login to the portal using the registered NGO ID and password.
- Enter details in the online proposal form.
- Fill bank details of the NGO.
- Upload mandatory documents as per Ministry guidelines.
- Save as draft and review before final submission.
- Once submitted, no modifications are allowed.
- Generate and print acknowledgment receipt for records.
Documents Required
- NGO PAN Card
- Utilization Certificate
- Audited/Unaudited Accounts (Previous Year)
- Budget Estimates (Current Financial Year)
- Performance Report with Statistical Data (Previous Year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
Registered NGOs and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) working for OBC welfare.
Q: What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries must belong to the Central or State OBC list with an annual family income not exceeding ₹1,00,000/-.
Q: What types of projects are covered under the scheme?
Various vocational and skill training programs, including carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, welding, and IT courses.
Q: How can organizations apply for the scheme?
NGOs must register on the NGO-DARPAN portal, submit required documents, and apply online through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q: How are funds released under the scheme?
First installment (up to 75%) is provided upon approval.
Second installment is released after submission of audited accounts and utilization certificates.
Q: What is the role of State Committees?
State Committees monitor and evaluate projects under this scheme.
Q: What are the conditions for maintaining accounts?
NGOs must submit audited financial statements annually and ensure transparency in fund utilization.
Q: Can grants be adjusted or refunded?
Any unused funds must be refunded to the Ministry.
Q: Are there any conditions for the selection of courses?
Courses must be employment-oriented and approved by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q: What percentage of trainees should be women?
At least 30% of trainees should be women in every batch.
Q: What happens if incorrect information is provided by the organization?
Providing false information can lead to blacklisting of the NGO and legal action.
Q: How is the scheme reviewed and updated?
The Government regularly reviews and updates the scheme to improve implementation and effectiveness.