No central database of financial assistance to NGOs: Govt

The government today said there is no central database maintained with respect to financial assistance received by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other charitable entities.
NGOs or voluntary organisations (VOs) are registered as societies or charitable trusts or not-for-profit companies under central or state laws.
"Information regarding the number of all such registered entities or financial assistance provided to them is not centrally maintained," Minister of Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
He also informed the house that the "Ministry of Corporate Affairs has not issued any direction to companies regarding contribution of funds to NGOs/VOs or societies set up with the objective of social welfare".

The minister said that financial assistance is provided to some of these registered entities under various schemes or projects administered by different ministries and departments.
"These entities are required to file their statutory returns as per procedure prescribed under the relevant laws," the minister said.