Assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
The Department of Planning is the Nodal Department for sanctioning the funds to the concerned Administrative Departments for providing monetary assistance to Non Government Organizations (NGOs) under Scheme PM-06 “Assistance to NGOs.” The implementation of this scheme lies with the Administrative Departments viz. Health and Family Welfare, Social Security and Women & Child Development, Social Justice and Empowerment of Minorities, School Education, Rural Development and Animal Husbandry. The scheme is being implemented as per the guidelines formulated by the state. An Apex Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab for promoting the role of NGOs in the state. Maximum support of Rs.10.00 lac per annum per project subject to maximum of Rs.15.00 lac per annum for more than one project can be provided under this scheme. However, there is no limit for projects under service sector with motive to create awareness among masses.
Assistance to Research Institutions
The Department of Planning provides grant-in-aid to Research Institutions like Institute for Development and Communication (IDC) and Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID) to promote research activities in the State. A sum of Rs. 5 Cr ( Rs. 1 Cr as ACA during 2003-04 and Rs. 4 Cr during 2006-07 and 2007-08) given to IDC for creation of Corpus Fund. A sum of Rs. 5 Cr. stands released to CRRID for creation of Corpus Fund during 2006-07 and 2007-08. During 2017-18, the Planning Department had provided a grant of Rs. 1 Cr to CRRID on the non-plan side, against the grant received from Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) and Rs. 1 Cr. to IDC as annual grant.
Untied Funds
The concept of untied funds was introduced in 1988-89 with the objective to carry out the works of emergent nature which are normally not covered under the schemes decentralized at the district level. These funds are provided mainly for filling up the missing gaps and for completing the incomplete public utility assets.
Punjab Nirman Programme
The Punjab Nirman Programme was launched by the State Government in the year 2005-06 for improving the living conditions of people of Punjab in Rural and Urban areas and to address their felt development needs more effectively at the grass root level in consultation with the local area representatives.