Seva Bhoj Yojana

The Seva Bhoj Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Culture in August 2018. This initiative aims to support charitable and religious institutions that provide free food to the public. It reimburses the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and the central government’s share of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) on specific raw food items purchased by eligible institutions. The scheme ensures that these organisations can sustain their efforts in serving communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for reimbursement, institutions must serve free meals to at least 5,000 people per month for the past three years. They must obtain a certificate from the District Magistrate to confirm this. Institutions must also register on the NGO Darpan Portal of NITI Aayog before applying on the CSMS Portal of the Ministry of Culture.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps. First, institutions register on the NGO Darpan Portal. Next, they enroll on the CSMS Portal. After that, they submit their application along with the registration certificate to the Nodal Central Tax Officer in their respective State or Union Territory. The officer verifies the documents and issues a Unique Identity Number (UIN).

Verification and Fund Disbursement

The concerned GST Authority reviews the reimbursement claims. After verification, they forward the claims to the Ministry of Culture. The ministry then provides funds to the GST Authority for disbursement to eligible institutions. This structured process promotes transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.

Promotion and Awareness

The Ministry of Culture actively promotes the Seva Bhoj Yojana through various channels. This includes official websites and social media platforms. The aim is to ensure that all eligible institutions are aware of the scheme and can benefit from it.

Performance Monitoring

Beneficiary institutions must submit a Performance-cum-Achievement Report at the beginning of the next financial year. This report includes details such as the location of free food services, costs incurred, GST paid, and the number of individuals served. This helps in assessing the impact of the scheme.

Scope of the Scheme

The Seva Bhoj Yojana is applicable to various charitable and religious institutions. This includes Gurudwaras, Temples, Mosques, Churches, and Monasteries. The scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis, linked to the availability of funds each financial year.

Conclusion of the Scheme

The Seva Bhoj Yojana plays important role in supporting community kitchens and free food distribution. It encourages a spirit of service and charity across different communities in India.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the role of government schemes in promoting food security in India.
2. Discuss in the light of social welfare initiatives, the significance of community kitchens in urban areas.
3. Explain the impact of tax reimbursement schemes on charitable organisations in India.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by religious institutions in providing free food services.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the role of government schemes in promoting food security in India.

1. Government schemes like the Seva Bhoj Yojana provide financial support to institutions distributing free food, directly enhancing food access.
2. They aim to reduce hunger and malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations by supporting community kitchens.
3. Such schemes often integrate with broader initiatives like the Public Distribution System (PDS) to ensure comprehensive food security.
4. They encourage collaboration between government and civil society, leveraging resources for greater impact.
5. Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in these schemes help in assessing effectiveness and improving food security strategies.

2. Discuss in the light of social welfare initiatives, the significance of community kitchens in urban areas.

1. Community kitchens address urban poverty by providing free or subsidized meals to low-income individuals and families.
2. They promote social cohesion by serving diverse populations and encouraging community engagement.
3. Such initiatives can alleviate the burden on public health systems by improving nutrition and health outcomes.
4. Community kitchens often serve as platforms for volunteerism, enhancing civic responsibility and community spirit.
5. They can also create employment opportunities within the local economy, contributing to overall urban development.

3. Explain the impact of tax reimbursement schemes on charitable organisations in India.

1. Tax reimbursement schemes like Seva Bhoj Yojana reduce operational costs for charitable organizations, enabling them to serve more beneficiaries.
2. They encourage transparency and accountability in financial management, as organizations must document their expenditures.
3. Such schemes enhance the sustainability of charitable initiatives by providing a reliable source of funding.
4. They empower organizations to expand their outreach and improve the quality of services offered to the community.
5. Overall, these schemes strengthen the role of civil society in addressing social issues and promoting welfare.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the challenges faced by religious institutions in providing free food services.

1. Religious institutions often face funding shortages, limiting their ability to scale up food distribution efforts.
2. Logistical challenges, such as sourcing quality ingredients and managing large-scale food preparation, can hinder operations.
3. Regulatory compliance, including obtaining necessary certifications and adhering to food safety standards, can be burdensome.
4. In urban areas, high demand can lead to overcrowding and resource strain, complicating service delivery.
5. Maintaining volunteer engagement and training is essential but can be challenging, impacting the consistency of services.