This scheme, launched by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Puducherry, provides financial assistance to NGOs that run residential homes for orphans, destitute and street children, the aged and infirm, and persons with physical and mental disabilities. The grant-in-aid is designed to support the consolidated expenses of recurring items—such as food, clothing, soap, oil, electricity, water, stationery, educational and vocational training, health, recreation, staff salary, rent, etc.—at a rate of ₹500 per inmate per month for 12 months, limited to 90% of the estimated cost. The NGO bears the remaining 10% of the grant-in-aid.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
NGOs receive a grant of ₹500 per inmate per month for a period of 12 months, covering up to 90% of the consolidated recurring expenses. - Cost Coverage:
The grant covers expenses such as food, clothing, hygiene products, utilities, educational materials, and staff salaries. - Support for Residential Homes:
The scheme is intended to help NGOs maintain and improve the living conditions in residential homes for children, senior citizens, and vulnerable persons.
Eligibility
- Type of Organizations:
The NGO must be running residential homes for:- Orphans, destitute and street children,
- Aged and infirm persons,
- Physically and mentally disabled individuals.
- Legal Status:
The NGO must be registered under:- The Societies Registration Act, 1860; or
- As a public trust under any applicable law; or
- As a charitable company licensed under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
- Existence:
The NGO should have been in existence continuously for at least three years (this condition may be relaxed in deserving cases). - Licensing:
The NGO must be licensed by the Department of Social Welfare under the Women and Children Licensing Rules, 1956. - Management:
The NGO should have a properly constituted managing body with clearly defined powers, duties, and responsibilities. - Financial Health and Resources:
The NGO should demonstrate a sound financial position and possess the facilities and resources necessary to run its residential homes. - Non-profit Nature:
The NGO must operate on a non-sectarian and non-profit basis, serving beneficiaries irrespective of religion, caste, color, or creed, and must be free from corrupt practices.
Application Process
Offline
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Obtain Application Form:
Visit the Office or Sub-Office of the Department of Social Welfare (as designated) during office hours to request the hard copy of the prescribed application form from the staff responsible for issuing and collecting applications. -
Complete the Form:
Fill in all mandatory fields on the form, attach a passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and include copies of all mandatory documents (self-attested if required). -
Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the appropriate authority:- Puducherry: The Field Officer, Social Defence Section, Directorate of Social Welfare.
- Karaikal: The Assistant Director, Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
- Mahe / Yanam: The Welfare Officer (IC), Social Welfare Department (Sub Office).
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Receipt and Acknowledgment:
Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority. Ensure that the receipt includes essential details such as the date and time of submission and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Documents Required
- Legal Documents:
- Registration Certificate/License of the NGO.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)/Byelaws.
- Financial Documents:
- Audit Report.
- Utilization Certificate.
- Annual Report.
- Other Documents:
- Any other documents required as per the guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of the estimated cost does the grant-in-aid cover?
The grant covers 90% of the estimated cost for consolidated recurring expenses. - How long does the financial assistance cover under the scheme?
The financial assistance is provided for 12 months. - Can the NGO operate for profit under this scheme?
No, the NGO must be non-profit and run solely for social welfare purposes. - Are there any restrictions on the NGO’s service offerings?
Yes, the NGO must be running residential homes specifically for orphans, destitute and street children, the aged and infirm, and persons with disabilities. - What are the criteria for the managing body of an NGO?
The managing body must be properly constituted with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and powers as laid down in writing. - Is there a specific duration an NGO must have been in existence to qualify?
Yes, the NGO should ordinarily have existed for at least three years continuously at the time of application (with possible relaxation in deserving cases). - What licensing requirement must NGOs fulfill to be eligible?
The NGO must be licensed by the Department of Social Welfare under the Women and Children Licensing Rules, 1956. - What expenses are covered under the Grant-in-Aid scheme?
The grant covers consolidated expenses for recurring items such as food, clothing, soap, oil, electricity, water charges, stationery, education, vocational training, health, recreation, staff salaries, rent, etc. - Where do I submit my application for the scheme?
Applications should be submitted to the designated office of the Department of Social Welfare as per the location (Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe/Yanam). - Whom should I contact in case of a delay in receiving benefits under the scheme?
Contact details are provided in the “Contact Us” section and can also be found in the Citizen’s Charter. - Which legal registrations make an NGO eligible for the scheme?
NGOs must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860; as a public trust; or as a charitable company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. - What types of residential homes are eligible for the grant-in-aid?
Residential homes for orphans, destitute and street children, the aged and infirm, and persons with physical and mental disabilities are eligible.