The Central Sector Scheme “Scheme of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organisations Working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes” is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Its primary objective is to extend the reach of government welfare schemes in service-deficient tribal areas. By partnering with voluntary organizations, the scheme aims to enhance sectors such as education, health, drinking water, agro-horticulture, social security, and livelihood generation, ultimately contributing to the socioeconomic upliftment and overall development of Scheduled Tribes (STs). Innovative projects that have a direct impact on the socio-economic development or livelihood generation of STs are also considered.
Benefits
- Project Categories:
The scheme supports various broad sector-wise project categories including:- Education:
- Running and maintenance of Non-Residential/Residential Schools and Hostels.
- Sponsoring tribal girls from North Eastern States, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep to study in reputed institutions.
- Health:
- Running/maintenance of hospitals/dispensaries (with 10 or more beds) and Mobile Dispensary services.
- Livelihood:
- Enhancing livelihood and income generation through infrastructure support and capacity building in agriculture, fishery, dairy, animal husbandry, water conservation, and organic/natural farming.
- Education:
- Emergency Assistance:
During natural calamities, disasters, or pandemics, the Ministry may provide emergency health services and essential relief (food and water) through NGOs, subject to norms approved in consultation with the IFD and the Minister, Ministry of Tribal Affairs. - Priority Consideration:
Projects benefiting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), LWE-affected districts, and tribal populations in remote or difficult areas are given priority. - Grant Structure:
Grants are provided as per norms fixed in Annexure-1, with ceilings for recurring and non-recurring components.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply, the applicant organization must meet the following conditions:
- Registration:
- Must be a registered voluntary organization (VO) or non-governmental organization (NGO) engaged in welfare activities for Scheduled Tribes.
- Should be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, State Society Registration, Public Trust, or any comparable statutory framework.
- NGO-Darpan Registration:
- The organization must be registered on the NGO-Darpan portal of NITI Aayog (www.ngodarpan.gov.in).
- Experience:
- Must have a minimum of three years’ experience in managing activities similar in size and objectives to the proposed project.
- Project Implementation:
- The applicant must implement the project directly, without transferring grant management to another entity.
- Compliance:
- Must agree to comply with scheme terms and conditions, signing an MoU with the Ministry (as per Annexure-2).
- Financial Norms:
- The organization should open an Aadhaar-linked bank account in its name with an authorized scheduled bank.
- Must possess PAN and TAN numbers and have filed Income Tax Returns for at least the last three years.
- Must be registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act.
- Legal & Financial Standing:
- The organization should not be facing bankruptcy or any ongoing economic offences/inquiries by authorities (e.g., CBI/ED/CBIC).
- It must demonstrate sound financial capacity to partially co-finance the project (grants support core activities only).
- Transparency:
- Submit details of trustees, promoters, beneficial owners, and the Management Committee along with corresponding PAN and Aadhaar details.
- Blacklist:
- The organization should not be blacklisted by NITI Aayog, Union/State Ministries, or government organizations.
- Beneficiary Requirement:
- A project must have a minimum of 75 beneficiaries. In exceptional cases, an educational project may commence with at least 25 ST students if justified by the State’s Tribal Welfare Department.
Application Process
Online Process:
- Access the NGO Portal:
- All grant proposals must be submitted exclusively through the Ministry’s NGO portal: www.ngo.tribal.gov.in. Physical proposals are not accepted.
- NGO-Darpan Registration:
- Ensure your organization is registered on the NGO-Darpan portal.
- Complete the Online Application:
- Provide complete information regarding the project and upload all required documents.
- Single Application for Multiple Projects:
- If running multiple similar projects in a district, a single application may be submitted for all such projects, as recommended by the Principal Secretary or Tribal Welfare Officer.
- Financial Monitoring:
- NGOs must record expenditure details on the PFMS REAT Module and comply with refund norms for bank interest as per the latest General Financial Rules (GFR).
Scrutiny and Approval Process:
- State Level:
- Applications are directed to the State/UT Tribal Welfare Department, where district-level officers inspect and scrutinize proposals. The State Committee for Support of Voluntary Efforts (SCSVE) reviews applications and uploads meeting minutes on the portal.
- Ministry Level:
- Shortlisted projects are further assessed by the NGO Division (headed by the Deputy Secretary/Director) and may be subject to independent field-based appraisal.
- Final recommendations are made by the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) chaired by the Joint Secretary, Tribal Affairs. Approved projects are then sanctioned by the Minister of Tribal Affairs.
- Renewal Process for Ongoing Projects:
- Organizations must submit renewal applications for ongoing projects for continuation in the subsequent financial year, accompanied by utilization certificates, audited accounts, and budget estimates, following GFR provisions.
Documents Required
- Mandatory Documents:
- PAN Card
- Budget estimates as per the norms
- Project-wise Audited Accounts with Auditor’s Report and Annual Report for the last two years
- List of staff (if the project is already running)
- Beneficiary details (if the project is already running)
- Duly signed Inspection Report
- Registration Certificate (under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act)
- List of the Management Committee (including beneficial owners)
- Self-declaration regarding the location and legitimacy of the project premises
- Surety Bond with a resolution of the Governing Body and an Authorization Letter
- Aadhaar-linked Bank Account details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the scheme?
To enhance the reach of government welfare schemes and improve socioeconomic conditions in tribal areas through voluntary organizations. - Which agency implements this scheme?
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. - What sectors are covered for project funding?
Projects in education, health, livelihood, drinking water, agro-horticulture, social security, and innovative activities with direct impact on ST development. - Which projects are given priority?
Projects benefiting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), LWE-affected districts, and those in remote or difficult areas. - What type of organization is eligible to apply?
Registered voluntary organizations/NGOs with at least three years of relevant experience and registration under appropriate statutory provisions. - Is registration with the NGO-Darpan portal mandatory?
Yes, the organization must be registered on NGO-Darpan of NITI Aayog. - How many years of experience are required?
At least three years. - How does an organization apply?
By submitting an online application via the Ministry’s NGO portal after registering on NGO-Darpan. - What are the financial reporting requirements?
Organizations must maintain expenditure records on the PFMS REAT Module and adhere to GFR provisions regarding bank interest refunds.