Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment keeps accepting proposals from registered voluntary organizations under Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs in 2026. This central sector scheme gives grants to NGOs that run skill development and vocational training projects for people from Other Backward Classes, and the government can meet up to 90% of the approved project cost.
Applications are submitted fully online and the whole process, from applying to release of grant, happens through official portals. The scheme was revised from 1 October 2017. Under the revised rules, new NGOs have to apply directly to the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), while ongoing projects continue through the Ministry's e-Anudaan portal.
Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs - Introduction
This scheme helps the voluntary sector improve the educational and socio-economic position of OBC communities. It is run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and it supports NGOs that provide skill training to OBC members so they can start their own income-generating work or find better jobs. Projects can also be started in villages covered under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY).
On average, an NGO gets about ₹3 lakh for training around 50 beneficiaries, which works out to roughly ₹6,000 per person. This covers manpower, training material, rent and stationery. Training can cover many trades, and the government pays for most of the approved cost. For skill training of OBC, SC, EWS and DNT candidates, the Ministry also runs PM-DAKSH Yojana which gives free training and a monthly stipend.
Types of activities covered include:
- Carpentry, computer education and craft centres.
- Technical training like diesel pump set repair, electrical work, plumbing and welding.
- Service skills like photography, printing, bookbinding and vehicle repair.
- General vocational skills like fruit preservation, tie and dye and leather art.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Assistance to Voluntary Organizations Working for Welfare of OBCs |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education and Learning, Social Welfare and Empowerment, Skills and Employment |
| Target Beneficiaries | NGO |
| Sub Category | Training and Skill Up-gradation, Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Tags | Empowerment, Other Backward Class, NGO, Employment |
Benefits
This scheme gives NGOs working for social upliftment direct financial support for skill projects. Key benefits are:
- Financial backing for skill programs that improve the lives of OBC citizens.
- A clear, digital and efficient application process.
- Regular project monitoring so that resources create real impact.
- Training support for NGOs to reach more people in need.
- Special priority for projects in backward districts and SAGY villages.
Extent of financial assistance:
| Category | Grant Limit |
|---|---|
| Government Aid | Up to 90% of approved project expenditure |
| PSU Organizations | Up to 30% of project cost |
| First Installment | Up to 75% upon submission of required documents |
| Second Installment | Balance amount after audited accounts are received |
Eligibility
For the Organization
NGOs need to be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the relevant State/UT act or public trust law. The organization should have a proper administrative structure and a working executive committee, and it should be run democratically without outside control. Registration of at least three years is required, though the Secretary of the Ministry can waive this in special cases. The organization should also have a bank account in its own name for the last three years and should work on a non-profit basis.
New NGOs also need at least two years of experience in the relevant field, and their project proposals should be for backward districts identified by the Planning Commission.
For Individual Beneficiaries
The person must belong to the Central or State/UT OBC list, and the annual family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000. For example, if a family earns ₹90,000 in a year, members of that family can take part in the training.
Application Process
Application is fully online. First the NGO has to register on NGO-DARPAN, then on the Ministry's grants portal, and finally submit the proposal on e-Anudaan. New NGOs can also approach NBCFDC directly for new cases as per the revised scheme rules. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the NGO-DARPAN Portal and click on "Register your NGO" to complete the sign-up form. Keep the NGO name exactly as it appears on the PAN card, and use a working email and mobile number because OTPs will be sent there.
STEP 2 - After the PAN is verified in the system, set the account password and get the Unique ID for the organization.
STEP 3 - Go to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment registration page, enter the Unique ID and PAN number, and verify your identity with OTP and captcha to get the registration ID.
STEP 4 - Log in to the e-Anudaan portal with the login ID and password.
STEP 5 - Fill in the proposal in the prescribed format and enter the bank details correctly.
STEP 6 - Upload the required documents, review the draft and submit. Changes cannot be made after final submission, so check everything carefully.
STEP 7 - Keep the acknowledgment receipt safe for future reference. NGOs and OBC entrepreneurs can also check the NBCFDC General Loan Scheme for loan support.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before applying:
- Official PAN card of the NGO.
- Use Certificate (utilization certificate) for previous activities.
- Audited or unaudited financial accounts of the previous year.
- Budget estimates for the coming financial year.
- Detailed performance report with statistical data of the previous year's work.
References
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment Schemes
FAQ's
Who is eligible to apply for assistance under this scheme?
Registered societies, public trusts, charitable companies and similar bodies with at least three years of registration and two years of relevant field experience can apply.
What are the eligibility criteria for beneficiaries?
Applicants must belong to the Central or State/UT OBC list and have a total family income of no more than ₹1,00,000 per year.
What types of projects are covered under the scheme?
The scheme supports skill development projects like carpentry, computer education, electrical training and diesel pump repair.
How can organizations apply for the scheme?
Organizations should register on NGO-DARPAN and then submit their proposals online through the official e-Anudaan portal of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. New NGOs can also apply directly to NBCFDC as per the revised rules.
How are funds released under the scheme?
Funding is released in two phases: up to 75% for the first installment, with the remaining balance provided after submission of audited accounts and use certificates.
What is the role of State Committees?
The committees examine project proposals, perform site inspections, and verify the viability and need of the funding.
What are the conditions for maintaining accounts?
You must maintain separate books for grant funds so that Government officers or the Comptroller and Auditor General of India can perform audits.
Can grants be adjusted or refunded?
Yes, if funds remain unused, you must refund them or request an adjustment against future grants.
Are there any conditions for the selection of courses?
Select courses that match local job demand and do quarterly surveys to keep the training high-quality and relevant.
What reservations apply to personnel selection?
You should organize personnel recruitment following Central Government service reservation norms for OBC candidates.
What certificates are provided to trainees?
Trainees receive NCVT-recognized certificates as mandated by the National Commission for Skill Development.
What percentage of trainees should be women?
At least 50% of the total trainees should be women.
Can capital equipment be disposed of without approval?
No, you must seek written government approval before selling or disposing of any equipment bought with grant money.
What happens if incorrect information is provided by the organization?
If inaccurate information is found, the Ministry may cancel the grant, reduce the amount, or ask for a full refund with interest.
Is the scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is still running in 2026. The e-Anudaan portal keeps accepting proposals from NGOs, and new cases are routed through NBCFDC as per the revised scheme guidelines.