Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry launched “Grant-in-Aid to Non-governmental Organisations Running Residential Homes.” This scheme grants financial aid to NGOs running residential homes for children, the aged, and other vulnerable persons for their running costs.
Benefits
- NGOs are paid ₹500 per inmate per month for 12 months, which would include consolidated items like food, clothing, utility charges, vocational training, and staff salaries.
- The grant is released in two equal instalments to cover up to 90 percent of the estimates, while the balance 10 percent is the contribution of the NGO.
Eligibility
Conditions for NGOs
- Target Groups:
The NGOs will manage residential homes for:- Orphans and destitute children.
- Aged and infirm.
- Physically and mentally handicapped persons.
- Legal Registration:
NGOs need to be registered under:- Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act XXI of 1860).
- Public Trusts registered under the applicable law.
- Charitable companies registered under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
- Duration of Existence:
NGOs should have been in existence for minimum three years at the time of application.
The government may waive this for deserving cases. - Licensing:
NGOs must be registered under the Women and Children Licensing Rules, 1956. - Organisational Structure:
NGOs must have an executive body with well-defined powers, duties, and responsibilities. - Financial and Operational Standards:
The NGO must:- Be financially sound.
- Have the resources and facilities to manage residential homes.
- Non-sectarian, offering service without any bias based on religion, caste or creed.
- Not for profit, free from corrupt practices.
How to Apply
Offline Application Process
- Apply Form:
Approach the office/sub-office of the Department of Social Welfare office during office hours and collect an application form from there. - Application Form:
Submit the form in full with all relevant details, while ensuring that fields that are mandatory are filled; affix passport size photograph along with it. - Supporting Documents Attach:
Self-attested copies of the necessary documents listed below. - Submit Application:
The completed application form with documents addressed to:- Puducherry: Field Officer, Social Defence Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer (i/c), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Get an Acknowledgment:
For a receipt with submission details including date, time and unique identification number issued.
Documents
- Registration Certificate/License (under relevant Acts).
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Bylaws.
- Audit Reports.
- Utilization Certificate (in case of earlier grants, if any).
- Annual Report (outlining the NGO’s activities and achievements).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much of the estimated cost is covered by the grant-in-aid?
The scheme provides for 90% of the estimated cost while the remaining 10% is borne by the NGO. - What is the period of financial support provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides support for 12 months and releases it in two equal installments. - Can the NGO work on a profit-making basis under this scheme?
No, the NGO has to be a non-profit organization to qualify. - Are there any restrictions on the service offerings of the NGO?
Yes, the NGO has to provide non-sectarian services and cannot discriminate based on religion, caste, color, or creed. - What are the criteria for the managing body of an NGO?
The NGO has to have a properly constituted managing body with clearly defined powers and responsibilities. - Is there any specified period that an NGO must have been in existence for to qualify?
Yes, the NGO must have been in existence for a minimum period of three years unless the government grants an exemption for such cases. - What licensing requirements must be fulfilled by NGOs to make themselves eligible?
The NGOs must be licensed under the Women and Children Licensing Rules, 1956. - What expenditure will the Grant-in-Aid scheme cover?
The grant covers food, clothing, utilities, vocational training, education, health, rent, and the staff’s salaries. - To which office do I apply for the scheme?
Applications can be made at the regional offices according to the area that is either Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, or Yanam. - Whom can I reach if my benefits from the scheme are delayed?
Call your nearby Field Officer/Assistant Director/Welfare Officer at the Social Welfare Department. - Which legal registrations render an NGO eligible for the scheme?
Under which of the following Acts is registration compulsory?
Societies Registration Act, 1860
Public trust laws as applicable.
Companies Act, 1956 Section 25 - Which of the following residential homes are eligible for grant-in-aid under the scheme?
Orphanages, destitute children’s homes, aged and infirm homes and homes for the physically handicapped.
Sources and References
- Citizen’s Charter – NGO eligibility and obligations.
- Contact Us – Regional office information.
- Sub Offices – For submitting applications.
- Grievance Redressal – Method for resolving problems.