Social Justice Ministry to NGOs: if you want our funds, reserve jobs

She said that while the first instalment of money would be released without checking on this, the second one would depend on whether the NGOs are able to implement this.

‘‘There was already a clause to this effect in the bond that they sign when they get a grant. So far, they were overlooking it, now the Ministry will ensure that they implement it,’’ said Kumar.

These are NGOs working for the welfare of disadvantaged sections of the society like Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, drug addicts and street children.

The Ministry usually funds part of their operations either in the form of education, training and rehabilitation costs and also rent, food and transport allowances.

‘‘If all of them observe the reservation policy, they give the message of social harmony and equal participation,’’ said Kumar.

The Common Minimum Programme says that since the growth of jobs in the government sector is limited, increasing opportunities for employment will have to come from the private sector. For this, a National dialogue has already been initiated with individuals, representatives of various associations of trade and industry, academics, industrialists and social scientists.

A Group of Ministers has been formed under the chairmanship of Sharad Pawar. The group has met and is likely to come up with a plan of action soon.