The Scheme of Assistance for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse and for Social Defence Services was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment on October 15, 2008. It was formed by merging two Central Sector Schemes:
- Scheme for the Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drugs) Abuse
- General Grant-in-Aid Programme for Financial Assistance in the Field of Social Defence
This scheme aims to:
- Create awareness about the ill effects of alcoholism and substance abuse.
- Provide community-based services for counseling, de-addiction, aftercare, and rehabilitation.
- Support voluntary organizations and institutions in addressing social defence needs.
Illustrative Intervention Areas
The scheme supports projects that:
- Address underserved problem areas requiring urgent intervention.
- Complement existing services and fill essential gaps.
- Provide integrated services (even if multiple funding sources are required).
- Offer preventive, protective, developmental, and rehabilitative services.
- Mobilize public opinion against social problems.
- Train social welfare workers.
- Cover initiatives not included in existing schemes of the Ministry.
Benefits
Items Admissible for Assistance
- Building Construction/Extension (excluding staff quarters, except wardens and security personnel).
- Salaries and allowances for project staff.
- Cost of equipment and furniture.
- Service delivery expenses (education, training, food, etc.).
- Trainee stipends (where applicable).
- Other operational charges required for project implementation.
Norms of Financial Assistance
- Up to 90% of the approved cost (both recurring and non-recurring expenditures) is funded by the government.
- The remaining 10% must be covered by the voluntary agency or another supporting organization.
- In exceptional cases, where the organization operates in a new area with limited government intervention, 100% funding may be provided.
- Building Grant Limit: Maximum ₹10,00,000.
- Non-Recurring Grant Ceiling: ₹10,00,000 per project per annum.
Expenditure on Staff
| Position | Salary (₹/Month) |
|---|---|
| Project Director | 8,400 |
| Social Worker | 4,200 |
| Doctor (Part-time) | 6,000 |
| Compounder/Nurse | 3,000 |
| Vocational Trainer | 4,200 |
| Driver | 1,800 |
| Peon/Sweeper/Watchman | 2,000 |
Maintenance of Beneficiaries
| Expense Type | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Diet Charges (Per Person/Month) | 600 |
| Bedding Material (Per Person/Non-Recurring) | 600 |
| Uniform/Clothing (Per Person/Annum) | 1,000 |
| Washing Charges (Per Person/Month) | 150 |
| Books & Stationery (Per Person/Annum) | 400 |
| Water & Electricity Charges (Per Annum) | 6,000 |
Eligibility Criteria
For Organizations/Institutions
Eligible organizations include:
- Registered Societies under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Non-profit charitable companies.
- Public Trusts registered under applicable laws.
- Non-official social welfare organizations.
- Universities, research institutes, schools, and statutory bodies (e.g., Panchayati Raj Institutions, Municipal Corporations, Town Area Committees, Red Cross Societies).
Additional Requirements
- The organization must have at least two years of experience in the relevant field.
- It should not operate for profit.
- A Managing Body must be in place with defined roles and responsibilities.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- Submit the Application
- Complete the prescribed format and attach required documents.
- Inspection & Processing
- The designated agency inspects and processes the application.
- Grant Disbursement
- 70% of the sanctioned amount is released in the first installment.
- 30% is released after submission of compliance documents.
- Continuity Bond Requirement
- The organization must sign a 5-year continuity bond before receiving assistance.
Documents Required
For Building Construction
- Initial Plans & Estimates:
- Site layout and design sketches.
- Estimated cost of construction.
- Site Ownership Certificate:
- Confirms that land has been acquired by the voluntary organization.
- Post-Completion Documents:
- Completion certificate.
- Audited expenditure statement.
For General Application
- Problem Statement the project aims to address.
- Project Objectives.
- Geographical Area of Operation.
- Target Beneficiary Group.
- Proposed Services & Charges (if applicable).
- Expected Outcomes.
- Organization’s Expertise & Experience.
- Cost Breakdown (staff salaries, allowances, recurring & non-recurring expenses).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does the continuity bond ensure compliance with grant conditions?
The 5-year continuity bond requires organizations to comply with grant conditions, failing which they must refund the amount with interest.
Q: What costs are covered under maintenance charges for beneficiaries?
It includes diet charges, books, stationery, clothing, bedding, and washing charges.
Q: How do organizations confirm site acquisition for building construction?
A certificate confirming land ownership must be submitted with the application.
Q: How much experience should an organization have to qualify for assistance?
Organizations should have at least two years of experience in social welfare or substance abuse prevention.
Q: What types of organizations are eligible for financial assistance?
Registered Societies, Trusts, NGOs, Universities, and Statutory Bodies are eligible.
Q: Under what circumstances can an organization receive 100% government funding?
If the organization operates in an underserved area where government intervention is limited but needed, 100% funding may be provided.
Q: How much financial assistance can voluntary organizations receive?
The government covers up to 90% of the approved project cost (or 100% in special cases).
Q: What is the ceiling for non-recurring grant-in-aid?
The maximum non-recurring grant per project per year is ₹10,00,000.
Q: What is the limitation on the government grant for building construction?
The maximum government grant for building construction is ₹10,00,000.
Q: What does “Whole-Person Recovery (WPR)” mean?
It refers to a comprehensive rehabilitation approach, including detoxification, mental health support, and reintegration into society.
Q: When did this scheme come into existence?
The scheme was launched on October 15, 2008.