NGO Consultant
Odisha NGO Consultancy Services
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
How to Establish an NGO in Odisha and in India
The Indian government has long been wary of foreign political interference through the operation and funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). As a result, the current legislation affords regulatory discretion to the government by prohibiting foreign funding for political organizations and imposes onerous reporting requirements for all NGOs. Recent intelligence reports have sparked fears that these laws are undergoing government reform to further restrict NGO operation in India.
This article will examine the country’s current national policy and regulations for establishing NGOs. Next week, International Business Specialist Adam Pitman takes a closer look at the political and economic factors underpinning the reform.
The System
NGOs in India generally assume three legal forms: society, trust and limited company. These entities are heavily regulated by state and federal government agencies. At the state level, an NGO can be registered as a: society under the Registrar of Societies, a public trust via execution of a trust deed or a limited company under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. At the federal level, the Income Tax Department and Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Ministry) regulate registration, and require all NGOs to file annual tax returns and audited account statements to their respective agencies.
Societies, trusts and limited companies are treated equally under the Income Tax Act. In order to be eligible for tax exemption, an NGO must be organized for a charitable purpose. Charitable purposes include ‘relief of the poor, education, medical relief, and the advancement of any other object of general public utility.’ Once a charitable purpose has been established, the organization is entitled to income exemptions and may apply for an 80G certificate to enable donors to claim tax rebates against their donations.
Sourcing and Procurement from India: Establishing an Office on the Ground
Barriers to Foreign Funding
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2011 (FCRA) prohibits foreign funding for organizations of a ‘political nature’ and imposes additional requirements for NGO receipt of foreign funding.
The definition of ‘political nature’ is vague and affords the Central Government much discretion with regard to its application. According to the 2011 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules (FCRR), organizations are ‘political’ if they have ‘political objectives’, comment upon or participate in ‘political activities’, or employ various methods of political protest and civil resistance, among other criteria.
Under the FCRA, all NGOs wishing to accept foreign contributions must:
· Register with the Central Government;
· Agree to accept contributions through designated banks; and
· Maintain separate books of accounts with regard to all receipts and disbursements of funds.
In addition, NGOs must report all foreign contributions to the Central Government within 30 days of receipt and file annual reports with the Home Ministry. The report must include: the amount of the foreign contribution, its source, the manner in which it was received, the purpose for which it was intended, and the manner in which it was used. Foreign contributions include currency, securities, and articles. The definition extends to funds collected by an Indian citizen in a foreign country on behalf of an NGO registered in India. Furthermore, funds received in India, from a foreign source, in Indian currency, are classified as foreign contributions.
Qualifying for Tax Exemption
Under the national Income Tax Act (1961) and the Finance Act (2014) NGOs may qualify for tax-exempt status if the following conditions are satisfied:
· The organization must be a registered NGO according to Indian law;
· The organization must be formed for religious or charitable purposes;
· The organization must spend 85 percent of its income in any financial year on the objects of the organization;
· Income or property of the organization must not be applied for the benefit of the founder, trustee, relatives of the founder or trustee or a person who has contributed in excess of IRS 50,000 to the organization in a financial year;
· The organization’s income must be applied or accumulated in India. However, trust income may be applied outside India to promote international causes in which India has an interest, without being subject to income tax;
· The organization must timely file its annual income return;
· The organization must keep a basic record (name, address and telephone number) of all donors; and
· The funds of the organization must be deposited as specified in Section 11(5) of the Income Tax Act.
A Guide to India’s Special Economic Zones
Tax Benefits
NGOs operating in India enjoy similar taxation benefits as in other Commonwealth countries. The general benefits available to NGOs include:
· Income incidental to the charitable purpose is not subject to corporate income tax.
· The sale of certain goods and services are subject to VAT, with most goods and services taxed at 12.5 percent. VAT liability arises only if the total turnover of sales is Indian Rupees (IRS) 500,000 (approximately US$8,000), or IRS 100,000 (approximately US$1,600) if the dealer is an importer.
· Donors are entitled to a 50 percent deduction for donations to NGOs and a further 100 percent deduction for donations to listed charities.
· NGOs involved in relief work and in the distribution of relief supplies to the needy are 100 percent exempt from Indian customs duty on the import of items such as food, medicine, clothing and blankets.
The current legislation has had far-reaching implications for the effectiveness and sustainability of civil society organizations in India. As a result, the debate is rife as to whether this structure reflects the makings of an autocratic rule over Indian civil society or critical democratic measures enlisted to aid growth and protect the country from inadvertently facilitating insurgent militants, terrorism and corruption.
In any case, the actions of the Indian government should not be viewed as a condemnation of foreign NGOs. NGOs seeking to register should not be deterred by the administrative burden and endeavor to forge closer relationships with state government agencies through diligent adherence to administrative procedures.
For Formation and Registration of New NGOs in Odisha and Other parts of India Please Contact: pkgngo@gmail.com or Mob: 09040101080, 9937185565
This article will examine the country’s current national policy and regulations for establishing NGOs. Next week, International Business Specialist Adam Pitman takes a closer look at the political and economic factors underpinning the reform.
The System
NGOs in India generally assume three legal forms: society, trust and limited company. These entities are heavily regulated by state and federal government agencies. At the state level, an NGO can be registered as a: society under the Registrar of Societies, a public trust via execution of a trust deed or a limited company under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013. At the federal level, the Income Tax Department and Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Ministry) regulate registration, and require all NGOs to file annual tax returns and audited account statements to their respective agencies.
Societies, trusts and limited companies are treated equally under the Income Tax Act. In order to be eligible for tax exemption, an NGO must be organized for a charitable purpose. Charitable purposes include ‘relief of the poor, education, medical relief, and the advancement of any other object of general public utility.’ Once a charitable purpose has been established, the organization is entitled to income exemptions and may apply for an 80G certificate to enable donors to claim tax rebates against their donations.
Sourcing and Procurement from India: Establishing an Office on the Ground
Barriers to Foreign Funding
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2011 (FCRA) prohibits foreign funding for organizations of a ‘political nature’ and imposes additional requirements for NGO receipt of foreign funding.
The definition of ‘political nature’ is vague and affords the Central Government much discretion with regard to its application. According to the 2011 Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules (FCRR), organizations are ‘political’ if they have ‘political objectives’, comment upon or participate in ‘political activities’, or employ various methods of political protest and civil resistance, among other criteria.
Under the FCRA, all NGOs wishing to accept foreign contributions must:
· Register with the Central Government;
· Agree to accept contributions through designated banks; and
· Maintain separate books of accounts with regard to all receipts and disbursements of funds.
In addition, NGOs must report all foreign contributions to the Central Government within 30 days of receipt and file annual reports with the Home Ministry. The report must include: the amount of the foreign contribution, its source, the manner in which it was received, the purpose for which it was intended, and the manner in which it was used. Foreign contributions include currency, securities, and articles. The definition extends to funds collected by an Indian citizen in a foreign country on behalf of an NGO registered in India. Furthermore, funds received in India, from a foreign source, in Indian currency, are classified as foreign contributions.
Qualifying for Tax Exemption
Under the national Income Tax Act (1961) and the Finance Act (2014) NGOs may qualify for tax-exempt status if the following conditions are satisfied:
· The organization must be a registered NGO according to Indian law;
· The organization must be formed for religious or charitable purposes;
· The organization must spend 85 percent of its income in any financial year on the objects of the organization;
· Income or property of the organization must not be applied for the benefit of the founder, trustee, relatives of the founder or trustee or a person who has contributed in excess of IRS 50,000 to the organization in a financial year;
· The organization’s income must be applied or accumulated in India. However, trust income may be applied outside India to promote international causes in which India has an interest, without being subject to income tax;
· The organization must timely file its annual income return;
· The organization must keep a basic record (name, address and telephone number) of all donors; and
· The funds of the organization must be deposited as specified in Section 11(5) of the Income Tax Act.
A Guide to India’s Special Economic Zones
Tax Benefits
NGOs operating in India enjoy similar taxation benefits as in other Commonwealth countries. The general benefits available to NGOs include:
· Income incidental to the charitable purpose is not subject to corporate income tax.
· The sale of certain goods and services are subject to VAT, with most goods and services taxed at 12.5 percent. VAT liability arises only if the total turnover of sales is Indian Rupees (IRS) 500,000 (approximately US$8,000), or IRS 100,000 (approximately US$1,600) if the dealer is an importer.
· Donors are entitled to a 50 percent deduction for donations to NGOs and a further 100 percent deduction for donations to listed charities.
· NGOs involved in relief work and in the distribution of relief supplies to the needy are 100 percent exempt from Indian customs duty on the import of items such as food, medicine, clothing and blankets.
The current legislation has had far-reaching implications for the effectiveness and sustainability of civil society organizations in India. As a result, the debate is rife as to whether this structure reflects the makings of an autocratic rule over Indian civil society or critical democratic measures enlisted to aid growth and protect the country from inadvertently facilitating insurgent militants, terrorism and corruption.
In any case, the actions of the Indian government should not be viewed as a condemnation of foreign NGOs. NGOs seeking to register should not be deterred by the administrative burden and endeavor to forge closer relationships with state government agencies through diligent adherence to administrative procedures.
For Formation and Registration of New NGOs in Odisha and Other parts of India Please Contact: pkgngo@gmail.com or Mob: 09040101080, 9937185565
Lokpal: Staff of foreign-funded NGOs may have to declare assets
In a move to introduce transparency norms for all NGOs that receive foreign funds, the government has proposed an amendment to the Lokpal law that will require NGO executives too to declare their assets at par with government officials.
The government has proposed to empower the Lokpal to frame “appropriate regulations” for furnishing assets and liabilities by employees of NGOs that receive foreign funding or associations that receive government funding. The Lokpal will also determine how these details would be made public.
The Lokpal law already treats employees of NGOs which receive foreign funding in excess of Rs. 10 lakh as public servants.
This provision is part of the bill to amend the Lokpal and Lokyuktas Act introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The bill also seeks to include Leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha in the selection committee for the Lokpal chairperson and members, give the eminent jurist — nominated to this selection panel a three year term and loosen the grip of the CBI Director over the Director of Prosecution who is a government appointee.
The amendment has not only proposed to dilute provisions relating to declaration of assets and liabilities of government officials but also expanded this transparency norm to cover NGO executives as well.
Under the existing provisions, only government officials were required to declare all their assets — movable and immovable — and the government was required to make them public.
The new provisions have diluted this requirement, ostensibly to bring Lokpal law in line with the existing service rules.
Cong moves privilege motion against Naidu
The Congress on Thursday moved a privilege motion against M Venkaiah Naidu, alleging he had “misled” Lok Sabha on the issue of celebrating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthday on Christmas as ‘Good Governance Day’.
In his notice for the motion to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday, Congress MP KC Venugopa said the HRD ministry, contrary to the government’s claim, had issued three circulars to CBSE and Navodaya schools and universities to celebrate the ‘Good Governance Day’ on December 25.
The ministry later clarified that participation was voluntary. The Congress asked the government to come clean on the issue.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lokpal-staff-of-foreign-funded-ngos-may-have-to-declare-assets/article1-1298081.aspx
The government has proposed to empower the Lokpal to frame “appropriate regulations” for furnishing assets and liabilities by employees of NGOs that receive foreign funding or associations that receive government funding. The Lokpal will also determine how these details would be made public.
The Lokpal law already treats employees of NGOs which receive foreign funding in excess of Rs. 10 lakh as public servants.
This provision is part of the bill to amend the Lokpal and Lokyuktas Act introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
The bill also seeks to include Leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha in the selection committee for the Lokpal chairperson and members, give the eminent jurist — nominated to this selection panel a three year term and loosen the grip of the CBI Director over the Director of Prosecution who is a government appointee.
The amendment has not only proposed to dilute provisions relating to declaration of assets and liabilities of government officials but also expanded this transparency norm to cover NGO executives as well.
Under the existing provisions, only government officials were required to declare all their assets — movable and immovable — and the government was required to make them public.
The new provisions have diluted this requirement, ostensibly to bring Lokpal law in line with the existing service rules.
Cong moves privilege motion against Naidu
The Congress on Thursday moved a privilege motion against M Venkaiah Naidu, alleging he had “misled” Lok Sabha on the issue of celebrating former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthday on Christmas as ‘Good Governance Day’.
In his notice for the motion to Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday, Congress MP KC Venugopa said the HRD ministry, contrary to the government’s claim, had issued three circulars to CBSE and Navodaya schools and universities to celebrate the ‘Good Governance Day’ on December 25.
The ministry later clarified that participation was voluntary. The Congress asked the government to come clean on the issue.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/lokpal-staff-of-foreign-funded-ngos-may-have-to-declare-assets/article1-1298081.aspx
'NGOs played key role in rehabilitation'
NGOs had set up 11,625 temporary shelters and donated fibreglass boats, drinking water, sanitation, essential commodities and utensils to fishermen
Business Standard
December 26, 2014 Last Updated at 00:24 IST
In Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu, people view non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with respect, citing their "commendable" role in rehabilitation after the 2004 tsunami.
J Radhakrishnan, former collector of Thanajavur and the person who spearheaded the rescue operations in Nagapattinam district, said more than 419 NGOs came forward to work in the affected areas. Relief material was distributed through an NGO coordination centre in the district, he added.
The NGO coordination and resource centre (NCRC) was aimed at coordinating the efforts of these entities with those of government departments. It was planned when rehabilitation work reached a mature stage, NGOs would hand over the work to separate organisations.
While the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies and Social Need Education and Human Awareness continue to work to improve the conditions of fishermen, by 2007, NCRC was transformed into Building and Enabling Disaster Resilience of Coastal Communities (BEDROC), an organisation focusing on improving soil and water conditions for farmers, said Basil and Santhosh, who are engaged with BEDROC.
NGOs had set up 11,625 temporary shelters and donated fibreglass boats, drinking water, sanitation, essential commodities and utensils to fishermen. Besides, free medical camps and counselling was conducted for those hit by the tsunami. These entities also played a key role in increasing enrolment in schools, locals say.
Besides helping in rescue operations, NGOs also set up vocational training centres such as HOPE Foundation, set up in collaboration with US-based Manpower. They also helped set up the Centre of HOPE in Nagapattinam, which ran two schools and microfinance programmes in the area. The HOPE foundation claims the initiative is one of the largest in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.
The vocational programme has a 15-year sustainability plan, with significant investment in infrastructure such as buildings, computers and equipment. It aims to train 10,000 students during the first 10 years.
While the Society for Community Organisation and People's Education, Tiruchi, conducted training programmes for carpentry, CARE India enabled the construction of 20 model individual 'Ecosan' toilets.
The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation established a knowledge resource centre in Akkaraipettai village in Nagapattinam.
The Tata Relief Committee is engaged in providing information to fishermen and farmers on microenterprises, the availability of fish and fish-processing.
SOS Children's Villages, an NGO, provided emergency relief to families affected by the tsunami. SOS Social Centre offers a comprehensive package of services for families.
Volunteers from social welfare organisations in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat set up community kitchens for the displaced. Several other entities, such as the Rotary and Lions clubs and Seva Bharathi, helped organise mass cremations after the tsunami.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ngos-played-key-role-in-rehabilitation-114122600029_1.html
Business Standard
December 26, 2014 Last Updated at 00:24 IST
In Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu, people view non-governmental organisations (NGOs) with respect, citing their "commendable" role in rehabilitation after the 2004 tsunami.
J Radhakrishnan, former collector of Thanajavur and the person who spearheaded the rescue operations in Nagapattinam district, said more than 419 NGOs came forward to work in the affected areas. Relief material was distributed through an NGO coordination centre in the district, he added.
The NGO coordination and resource centre (NCRC) was aimed at coordinating the efforts of these entities with those of government departments. It was planned when rehabilitation work reached a mature stage, NGOs would hand over the work to separate organisations.
While the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies and Social Need Education and Human Awareness continue to work to improve the conditions of fishermen, by 2007, NCRC was transformed into Building and Enabling Disaster Resilience of Coastal Communities (BEDROC), an organisation focusing on improving soil and water conditions for farmers, said Basil and Santhosh, who are engaged with BEDROC.
NGOs had set up 11,625 temporary shelters and donated fibreglass boats, drinking water, sanitation, essential commodities and utensils to fishermen. Besides, free medical camps and counselling was conducted for those hit by the tsunami. These entities also played a key role in increasing enrolment in schools, locals say.
Besides helping in rescue operations, NGOs also set up vocational training centres such as HOPE Foundation, set up in collaboration with US-based Manpower. They also helped set up the Centre of HOPE in Nagapattinam, which ran two schools and microfinance programmes in the area. The HOPE foundation claims the initiative is one of the largest in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.
The vocational programme has a 15-year sustainability plan, with significant investment in infrastructure such as buildings, computers and equipment. It aims to train 10,000 students during the first 10 years.
While the Society for Community Organisation and People's Education, Tiruchi, conducted training programmes for carpentry, CARE India enabled the construction of 20 model individual 'Ecosan' toilets.
The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation established a knowledge resource centre in Akkaraipettai village in Nagapattinam.
The Tata Relief Committee is engaged in providing information to fishermen and farmers on microenterprises, the availability of fish and fish-processing.
SOS Children's Villages, an NGO, provided emergency relief to families affected by the tsunami. SOS Social Centre offers a comprehensive package of services for families.
Volunteers from social welfare organisations in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat set up community kitchens for the displaced. Several other entities, such as the Rotary and Lions clubs and Seva Bharathi, helped organise mass cremations after the tsunami.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/ngos-played-key-role-in-rehabilitation-114122600029_1.html
How 'Desh' Deshpande is helping Indian NGOs scale up
by Samar Srivastava
Tech billionaire Gururaj 'Desh' Deshpande is helping NGOs scale up and sustain philanthropy initiatives on their own steam. His formula for self-reliance is relevance followed by innovation
In 1996, when venture capitalist and entrepreneur Gururaj Deshpande started his first innovation centre at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, he was clear about two things. First, his philanthropic activities would not involve merely funding grants. Second, he would approach his giving in much the same way as he approached his life as an entrepreneur. “An idea does not have an impact unless it is directed at some burning problem in the world,” the 64-year-old tech billionaire tells Forbes India during a phone conversation from Boston.
Deshpande applies this core tenet to every project he works on, including Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organisation that is very close to his heart. He is the chairman of the US chapter of the NGO, which provides free lunch to more than a million schoolchildren across India. The scale of its operation at Hubli, Karnataka, is impressive.
At 6.30 am, the town’s largest industrial kitchen was busy preparing mid-day meals for 1.75 lakh schoolchildren in 800 government schools across the districts of Hubli and Dharwad. The building, spread over a three-acre campus, is fitted out with industrial-sized tumblers to prepare rice and sambar. It’s also equipped with its own heating plant to provide fuel needed for cooking. That’s 14,000 kilos of rice, 12,000 litres of sambar and 5,500 litres of milk every day. By 7.30 am, trucks are loaded with food.
Feeding 1.75 lakh children costs about Rs 15 lakh a day, and while the government helps with rice supplies from the Food Corporation of India, the programme relies on donors to fund the bulk of its operations.
Partnering with initiatives like Akshaya Patra has made Deshpande—or Desh as he is popularly called—something of a messiah in his hometown, Hubli. A decade ago, the billionaire and his brother-in-law, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, donated $1 million (then Rs 5 crore) to set up the kitchen. It remains, to date, the largest of all the 18 kitchens across India in Akshaya Patra’s network.
But Deshpande does not contribute any of the funds needed for the day-to-day running of the kitchen. An entrepreneur to the core, he is clear that most organisations must be able to support themselves. He does not want to be seen as a mere grant maker. “I chair its fundraising committee in the US, but don’t contribute to daily expenses,” he says.
This philosophy sets the tone for how the Deshpande Foundation, which he founded with his wife Jaishree in 1996, approaches its philanthropic activities. It may have started out by supporting initiatives in the US but, in 2007, the entrepreneur decided to expand its reach to his birthplace, Hubli. One of its primary goals is to support entrepreneurship at the bottom of the pyramid.
Spend time in the town, and it becomes apparent that the foundation has a refreshingly different take on what philanthropic organisations need to do to succeed. There’s active support for ideas that can make a difference to society. And, most crucially, it helps innovators and other organisations scale up these ideas.
It’s a learning that has come out of Deshpande’s experience of over three decades as an entrepreneur. This enables him to examine his philanthropic activities with the same lens through which he looks at entrepreneurship. “As an entrepreneur, you need to identify a problem and scale up. The same holds true for this (philanthropy) space, except that people are not very good at scaling up. That is where we step in,” he says.
When the foundation started operations in Hubli, locals slotted it as a donor.
“People would come to us and tell us that they didn’t have electricity or that the roads were not good. And I would say to them, ‘Well, I don’t even live here. This is not something that I can solve’,” says Deshpande.
Source: http://forbesindia.com/article/philanthropy-awards-2014/how-desh-deshpande-is-helping-indian-ngos-scale-up/39277/1
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Missing files no excuse for denying information under RTI Act: CIC
NEW DELHI: Public authorities cannot take excuse of "missing files" for denying information under the RTI Act as such claims have no legality under the transparency law for withholding records, the Central Information Commissionhas held.
"Unless proved the record was destroyed as per the prescribed rules of destruction/retention policy, it is deemed that record continues to be held by the public authority," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said in his order.
The case came before the CIC after one Om Prakash sought to know information from Land and Building Department of Delhi Government regarding allotment of alternative plot in lieu of his land acquired by the Government.
The Department admitted before the Commission that the relevant file is missing and it could not be traced even though the officers personally inspected room of the Land and Building Department after receiving the RTI application.
The official representing the department said there is no possibility of retrieving the missing record.
In a terse order, the Commissioner said loss of records that are required to be kept and maintained permanently, if considered as evidence in a case, should invite criminal complaint against officials under section 201 of Indian Penal Code (punishable with imprisonment which is directly proportional to seriousness of offence charged from seven years to 10 years and for life.)
"Claim of file missing or not traceable has no legality as it is not recognised as exception by the RTI Act. By practice "missing file" cannot be read into as exception in addition to exceptions prescribed by RTI Act.
"It amounts to breach of Public Records Act, 1993 and punishable with imprisonment up to a term of five years or with fine or both," Acharyulu said.
Source: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-02/news/53479835_1_rti-act-central-information-commission-information-commissioner-sridhar-acharyulu
"Unless proved the record was destroyed as per the prescribed rules of destruction/retention policy, it is deemed that record continues to be held by the public authority," Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said in his order.
The case came before the CIC after one Om Prakash sought to know information from Land and Building Department of Delhi Government regarding allotment of alternative plot in lieu of his land acquired by the Government.
The Department admitted before the Commission that the relevant file is missing and it could not be traced even though the officers personally inspected room of the Land and Building Department after receiving the RTI application.
The official representing the department said there is no possibility of retrieving the missing record.
In a terse order, the Commissioner said loss of records that are required to be kept and maintained permanently, if considered as evidence in a case, should invite criminal complaint against officials under section 201 of Indian Penal Code (punishable with imprisonment which is directly proportional to seriousness of offence charged from seven years to 10 years and for life.)
"Claim of file missing or not traceable has no legality as it is not recognised as exception by the RTI Act. By practice "missing file" cannot be read into as exception in addition to exceptions prescribed by RTI Act.
"It amounts to breach of Public Records Act, 1993 and punishable with imprisonment up to a term of five years or with fine or both," Acharyulu said.
Source: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-02/news/53479835_1_rti-act-central-information-commission-information-commissioner-sridhar-acharyulu
DCW launches women’s security campaign
The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday launched its campaign to provide legal aid to women at the time of crisis. ‘Mahila Suraksha Jagrukta Abhiyan’ (Women’s Security Awareness Campaign) was initiated by the DCW Chairperson Barkha Shukla Singh here.
As a part of this campaign, the DCW will provide legal training and also make the Mahila Panchayat Networks active in various parts of Delhi. A camp was organised by the Abhivyakti Foundation associated with the DCW at Bhalaswa Diary’s Basti Vikas Kendra. Ms. Singh along with legal counsellors will deliver training to panchayat workers in various Delhi districts.
The DCW will hold training camps and workshops on legal tips to women in order to enable them to safeguard themselves at the time of crisis, she said. “It is really shocking to note that incidents of molestations and rapes are on rise in the Capital despite the fact that we have been doing our best to ensure that such despicable incidents do not take place,” Ms. Singh. She demanded that such Commissions at the national and State levels should have the right to penalise the culprits.
“There is an urgent need for women commissions to be armed with enough IPC powers to penalise the culprits who are involved in crimes against women,” said Ms. Singh.
Further she also supported the demand of the Delhi Police Commissioner to provide self-defence training to girl students till Class X.
Ms. Singh also expressed concern over the declining girl sex ratio and the many illegal ultrasound clinics operating in various parts of Delhi, particularly in posh localities.
She urged the Union Health Ministry and the Delhi Lt.-Governor to take a serious view of this issue and conduct mass-scale surprise checks on such clinics. —PTI
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/dcw-launches-womens-security-campaign/article6737097.ece
As a part of this campaign, the DCW will provide legal training and also make the Mahila Panchayat Networks active in various parts of Delhi. A camp was organised by the Abhivyakti Foundation associated with the DCW at Bhalaswa Diary’s Basti Vikas Kendra. Ms. Singh along with legal counsellors will deliver training to panchayat workers in various Delhi districts.
The DCW will hold training camps and workshops on legal tips to women in order to enable them to safeguard themselves at the time of crisis, she said. “It is really shocking to note that incidents of molestations and rapes are on rise in the Capital despite the fact that we have been doing our best to ensure that such despicable incidents do not take place,” Ms. Singh. She demanded that such Commissions at the national and State levels should have the right to penalise the culprits.
“There is an urgent need for women commissions to be armed with enough IPC powers to penalise the culprits who are involved in crimes against women,” said Ms. Singh.
Further she also supported the demand of the Delhi Police Commissioner to provide self-defence training to girl students till Class X.
Ms. Singh also expressed concern over the declining girl sex ratio and the many illegal ultrasound clinics operating in various parts of Delhi, particularly in posh localities.
She urged the Union Health Ministry and the Delhi Lt.-Governor to take a serious view of this issue and conduct mass-scale surprise checks on such clinics. —PTI
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/dcw-launches-womens-security-campaign/article6737097.ece
Call for Applications for the Youth Solidarity Fund 2014-2015
Last Date: January 12, 2015 @ 11:55 pm
The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) awards grants (up to USD 25,000) to selected projects that demonstrate innovative youth approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue. It only supports projects that are entirely developed and managed by youth for the benefit of youth. The age definition used by UNAOC to characterize youth is a person who is between 18 and 35 years old.
Please carefully review the Application Guidelines and this Annex before completing the Application Form.
All eligible youth organizations are encouraged to apply.
Deadline to submit applications is 12 January 2015 11:59PM, New York City time.
Source: http://www.unaoc.org/event/call-for-applications-for-the-youth-solidarity-fund-2014-2015
The Youth Solidarity Fund (YSF) awards grants (up to USD 25,000) to selected projects that demonstrate innovative youth approaches to intercultural or interfaith dialogue. It only supports projects that are entirely developed and managed by youth for the benefit of youth. The age definition used by UNAOC to characterize youth is a person who is between 18 and 35 years old.
Please carefully review the Application Guidelines and this Annex before completing the Application Form.
All eligible youth organizations are encouraged to apply.
Deadline to submit applications is 12 January 2015 11:59PM, New York City time.
Source: http://www.unaoc.org/event/call-for-applications-for-the-youth-solidarity-fund-2014-2015
Monday, December 29, 2014
PACF Small and Large Grants for NGOs Worldwide
Agency Name: The Positive Action for Children Fund (PACF)
Last Date: March 10, 2015
This call is focused on non-governmental and community-based organisations that can deliver change at a community level thanks to their links with or representation of the communities affected. You can find information on how to apply further down on this page. Concept notes should be submitted through the online application system by 23:59 (GMT) on Tuesday 10 March 2015.
For each Call for Proposals, the PACF also outline a number of priority areas:
- Community interventions addressing loss to follow-up in PMTCT: working with communities to address and overcome causes of loss to follow-up of HIV, ANC, PMTCT and paediatric services.
- Community advocacy for gender equity in education and health, including but not limited to, for positive mothers and their affected families
- Preventing unintended pregnancies: improving women’s knowledge of and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and enabling women living with HIV to exercise their right to comprehensive SRH services.
- Community intervention to keep adolescent and young women HIV negative: targeted primary prevention in community, home and schools to ensure young girls, adolescents and young women who are HIV negative stay negative; with special emphasis through all phases of adolescence.
- Early infant diagnosis: using community developed interventions and testing to promote continuing care of infants and young children of HIV+ parents.
Source: Click here to view the source of the above information.
http://www.viivhealthcare.com/community-partnerships/positive-action-for-children-fund/applications.aspx
Last Date: March 10, 2015
This call is focused on non-governmental and community-based organisations that can deliver change at a community level thanks to their links with or representation of the communities affected. You can find information on how to apply further down on this page. Concept notes should be submitted through the online application system by 23:59 (GMT) on Tuesday 10 March 2015.
For each Call for Proposals, the PACF also outline a number of priority areas:
- Community interventions addressing loss to follow-up in PMTCT: working with communities to address and overcome causes of loss to follow-up of HIV, ANC, PMTCT and paediatric services.
- Community advocacy for gender equity in education and health, including but not limited to, for positive mothers and their affected families
- Preventing unintended pregnancies: improving women’s knowledge of and access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services and enabling women living with HIV to exercise their right to comprehensive SRH services.
- Community intervention to keep adolescent and young women HIV negative: targeted primary prevention in community, home and schools to ensure young girls, adolescents and young women who are HIV negative stay negative; with special emphasis through all phases of adolescence.
- Early infant diagnosis: using community developed interventions and testing to promote continuing care of infants and young children of HIV+ parents.
Source: Click here to view the source of the above information.
http://www.viivhealthcare.com/community-partnerships/positive-action-for-children-fund/applications.aspx
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Registration open for the 6th Batch of NPO Governance Programme
Dear Friends,
Greetings from FMSF!
We are glad to announce the registration open for the 6th batch for the ‘NPO Governance Programme’. This batch will start in March, 2015.
The online programme on NPO Governance has been formulated with the objective to provide a basic understanding of the Governance mechanisms, Structures & Processes in the voluntary sector.
The course is web-based and comprises of four modules. The course materials on all four modules can be accessed online by the students. Further the program is open to participants across the globe.
Who should apply?
- o Personnel working in mid-level, senior management level positions in NGOs, resource sharing agencies or any other development organization
o CEOs, CFOs or Executive Director of NGOs
o Individual serving in Board of NGOs, resource sharing agencies
o Consultants involved in the review and evaluations of NGOs
For further details on the course, kindly refer to the attached program brochure or visit our website www.fmsflearningsystems.org
To register, please visit our website www.fmsflearningsystems.org
As the seats are reserved on first come first serve basis, kindly hurry!
Best wishes,
Sanjay Patra
Executive Director
FMSF
Greetings from FMSF!
We are glad to announce the registration open for the 6th batch for the ‘NPO Governance Programme’. This batch will start in March, 2015.
The online programme on NPO Governance has been formulated with the objective to provide a basic understanding of the Governance mechanisms, Structures & Processes in the voluntary sector.
The course is web-based and comprises of four modules. The course materials on all four modules can be accessed online by the students. Further the program is open to participants across the globe.
Who should apply?
- o Personnel working in mid-level, senior management level positions in NGOs, resource sharing agencies or any other development organization
o CEOs, CFOs or Executive Director of NGOs
o Individual serving in Board of NGOs, resource sharing agencies
o Consultants involved in the review and evaluations of NGOs
For further details on the course, kindly refer to the attached program brochure or visit our website www.fmsflearningsystems.org
To register, please visit our website www.fmsflearningsystems.org
As the seats are reserved on first come first serve basis, kindly hurry!
Best wishes,
Sanjay Patra
Executive Director
FMSF
Businesses need to go beyond limited CSR based framework, says Cabinet Secretary
Ajit Kumar Seth, Cabinet Secretary, Govt. of India emphasized that businesses need to go beyond the limited Corporate Social Responsibility based framework for more comprehensive engagement to address the disaster risk. He said in his valedictory address while congratulated the SAARC disaster management center and FICCI to take up this unique and critically important initiative towards economic resilience of the region through business continuity and private sector engagement.
Seth re-assured the SAARC community with the firm commitment of the Government of India, for sharing its knowledge, capacity and technology for all humanitarian aspects like disaster response, real time early warning and forecasting etc. He mentioned that the space program of Government of India is already dedicated to the entire region by the Prime minister himself through a dedicated SAARC satellite and various space applications tools and products available with us. India's investments in advance trauma and medical care can also be reaped by the region.
He highlighted his experiences and lessons learnt while addressing disaster situations in the country like the Cyclone Hudhud, Cyclone Phailin and Cyclone Nilofer, wherein the benefits accruing from better Early Warning systems and preparedness measures and work of NDRF and State Disaster Response Forces and other related agencies were acknowledged and appreciated globally.
Ajay M Gondane, Joint Secretary (SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India made a reference to the importance that the Prime Minister attaches to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and the efforts that all member states have put into reducing disaster risk in the region. These efforts led to the creation of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre, and the continuation of its efforts towards creating a safer and disaster resilient South Asia. He highlighted the importance of translating and transmitting the policy framework and recommendations to the local and ground level. Over the past one decade Disaster management in South Asia has translated successfully from theory to policy which now needs to be translated into actual practice and action at the field.
M C Misra, Director, AIIMS chaired the Technical Session on 'Disaster Risk Reduction and Business Continuity Planning for Health Sector'. While outlining a comprehensive structure for Business Continuity of the Health Sector in South Asia assured the region of all support with respect to sharing India̢۪s advances in health and medical sector. Misra elaborated upon the incidence command systems in the aftermaths of disasters to ensure uninterrupted critical care and trauma services including a renewed focus on Road Tsunami and Injury Epidemic which leads to over four hundred thousand deaths across India in 2013 alone.
Major General JK Bansal, Ex-Member, NDMA, India Admiral VK Singh, and other eminent experts from the health sector, highlighted the importance of securing proper medical requirements, transportation services and contingency plan for hospital managements especially for the poor and marginalized as well. Proposing a vote of thanks, Prof. Santosh Kumar said that, cooperation, coordination and partnerships not only at the national level but at the regional and global levels are required to complement and supplement our strengths and weaknesses to capitalize on the limited resources available in the developing world.
Source: http://www.myiris.com/news/economy-policy/businesses-need-to-go-beyond-limited-csr-based-framework-says-cabinet-secretary/20141217125202717
Seth re-assured the SAARC community with the firm commitment of the Government of India, for sharing its knowledge, capacity and technology for all humanitarian aspects like disaster response, real time early warning and forecasting etc. He mentioned that the space program of Government of India is already dedicated to the entire region by the Prime minister himself through a dedicated SAARC satellite and various space applications tools and products available with us. India's investments in advance trauma and medical care can also be reaped by the region.
He highlighted his experiences and lessons learnt while addressing disaster situations in the country like the Cyclone Hudhud, Cyclone Phailin and Cyclone Nilofer, wherein the benefits accruing from better Early Warning systems and preparedness measures and work of NDRF and State Disaster Response Forces and other related agencies were acknowledged and appreciated globally.
Ajay M Gondane, Joint Secretary (SAARC), Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India made a reference to the importance that the Prime Minister attaches to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and the efforts that all member states have put into reducing disaster risk in the region. These efforts led to the creation of the SAARC Disaster Management Centre, and the continuation of its efforts towards creating a safer and disaster resilient South Asia. He highlighted the importance of translating and transmitting the policy framework and recommendations to the local and ground level. Over the past one decade Disaster management in South Asia has translated successfully from theory to policy which now needs to be translated into actual practice and action at the field.
M C Misra, Director, AIIMS chaired the Technical Session on 'Disaster Risk Reduction and Business Continuity Planning for Health Sector'. While outlining a comprehensive structure for Business Continuity of the Health Sector in South Asia assured the region of all support with respect to sharing India̢۪s advances in health and medical sector. Misra elaborated upon the incidence command systems in the aftermaths of disasters to ensure uninterrupted critical care and trauma services including a renewed focus on Road Tsunami and Injury Epidemic which leads to over four hundred thousand deaths across India in 2013 alone.
Major General JK Bansal, Ex-Member, NDMA, India Admiral VK Singh, and other eminent experts from the health sector, highlighted the importance of securing proper medical requirements, transportation services and contingency plan for hospital managements especially for the poor and marginalized as well. Proposing a vote of thanks, Prof. Santosh Kumar said that, cooperation, coordination and partnerships not only at the national level but at the regional and global levels are required to complement and supplement our strengths and weaknesses to capitalize on the limited resources available in the developing world.
Source: http://www.myiris.com/news/economy-policy/businesses-need-to-go-beyond-limited-csr-based-framework-says-cabinet-secretary/20141217125202717
Funds available for NGOs fighting drug abuse: Government
KOCHI: Organizations across the country, fighting drug abuse can avail funds set apart for this purpose as per the provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Union government has informed the high court.
The information was submitted in response to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rajesh V R in the high court.
The Union government has constituted a national fund for control of drug abuse and issued guidelines for its effective implementation for the benefit of such organizations, said an affidavit filed by Union ministry of finance. The affidavit was filed by by S N Dash of department of revenue, on behalf of the ministry.
As per the guidelines produced before the court, in addition to the funds from the government, sale proceeds of any property forfeited from those engaged in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs can be source of fund for the organizations that work to eliminate the issues of drug usage.
Any properties of drug dealers arrested for offences under the NDPS Act that are punishable with imprisonment of more than 10 years or convicted to such a term by a court will have to forfeit their property.
The guidelines say the fund can be used for combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances controlled by the NDPS Act.
According the guideline framed by the government, any expenses to meet the measures taken for controlling abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances can also be claimed by the organizations under the fund.
The other heads under which the fund can be utilized includes identification, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It can also be availed for educating the public against drug abuse.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Funds-available-for-NGOs-fighting-drug-abuse-Government/articleshow/45517372.cms
The provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
http://www.indiacode.nic.in/acts2014/16%20of%202014.pdf
Amendment of NDPS Act 2014 - Frequently asked questions
http://palliumindia.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/FAQs-Amendment-of-NDPS-2014.pdf
The information was submitted in response to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Rajesh V R in the high court.
The Union government has constituted a national fund for control of drug abuse and issued guidelines for its effective implementation for the benefit of such organizations, said an affidavit filed by Union ministry of finance. The affidavit was filed by by S N Dash of department of revenue, on behalf of the ministry.
As per the guidelines produced before the court, in addition to the funds from the government, sale proceeds of any property forfeited from those engaged in illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs can be source of fund for the organizations that work to eliminate the issues of drug usage.
Any properties of drug dealers arrested for offences under the NDPS Act that are punishable with imprisonment of more than 10 years or convicted to such a term by a court will have to forfeit their property.
The guidelines say the fund can be used for combating illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances controlled by the NDPS Act.
According the guideline framed by the government, any expenses to meet the measures taken for controlling abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances can also be claimed by the organizations under the fund.
The other heads under which the fund can be utilized includes identification, treatment and rehabilitation of addicts. It can also be availed for educating the public against drug abuse.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Funds-available-for-NGOs-fighting-drug-abuse-Government/articleshow/45517372.cms
The provisions of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
http://www.indiacode.nic.in/acts2014/16%20of%202014.pdf
Amendment of NDPS Act 2014 - Frequently asked questions
http://palliumindia.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/FAQs-Amendment-of-NDPS-2014.pdf
Japan Fund for Global Environment is now open: NGOs around the world can apply
Deadline: 14 January 2015
The Environmental Restoration and Conservation agency invites non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) aiming at environmental conservation to apply for The Japan Fund for Global Environment (JFGE). The application forms must be written in Japanese language.
Non-Japanese organizations must ensure their eligibility through Eligibility-Quiz before beginning with application. They must have a contract with an agent (individual or organization) to apply for JFGE Grants. The Agent can be a person who has Japanese citizenship or foreigner who has permanent residence permit of Japan, possessing a bank account available for JPY (he/she does not necessarily live in Japan, but he/she must participate into the meeting with JFGE at the headquarter of ERCA); or an organization with a main office in Japan. The agent must have the participative experience to the conservation activities implemented by the applicant overseas organizations; and must be able to communicate with the applicant overseas organization by English/local language.
Categories
1. Nature protection, conservation and restoration
2. Forest conservation and tree/grass planting
3. Anti-desertification
4. Agriculture of environmental conservation type
5. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change
6. Building of a recycle-oriented society
7. Air, water and soil conservation
8. Comprehensive environmental education
9. Comprehensive environmental conservation activities
10. Other environmental conservation activities
Eligibility Criteria
Complete application materials include – completed grant request form; organization’s articles of Incorporation or equivalent bylaws; a register of members who constitute the board of directors or equivalent decision-making body of the organization; organization’s statement of accounts for the past three years; reports, photographs and other materials showing the outline of similar activities in the past three years; other background materials that provide details of the project, blank official postcard, ‘Power of Attorney’ and documents explain a relationship between a Non-Japanese organization (applicant) and agent in Japan.
For more information, please visit Japan Fund for Global Environment. At: http://www.erca.go.jp/jfge/english/index.html
The Environmental Restoration and Conservation agency invites non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) aiming at environmental conservation to apply for The Japan Fund for Global Environment (JFGE). The application forms must be written in Japanese language.
Non-Japanese organizations must ensure their eligibility through Eligibility-Quiz before beginning with application. They must have a contract with an agent (individual or organization) to apply for JFGE Grants. The Agent can be a person who has Japanese citizenship or foreigner who has permanent residence permit of Japan, possessing a bank account available for JPY (he/she does not necessarily live in Japan, but he/she must participate into the meeting with JFGE at the headquarter of ERCA); or an organization with a main office in Japan. The agent must have the participative experience to the conservation activities implemented by the applicant overseas organizations; and must be able to communicate with the applicant overseas organization by English/local language.
Categories
1. Nature protection, conservation and restoration
2. Forest conservation and tree/grass planting
3. Anti-desertification
4. Agriculture of environmental conservation type
5. Mitigation and adaptation to climate change
6. Building of a recycle-oriented society
7. Air, water and soil conservation
8. Comprehensive environmental education
9. Comprehensive environmental conservation activities
10. Other environmental conservation activities
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant organization must
- Be a non-governmental organization (NGO) and non-profit organization (NPO).
- Possess an Articles of Incorporation or its equivalent bylaws.
- Possess a well-established board of directors and work forces that make decisions for the organization and implement the activities of the proposed project.
- Possess an accounting structure capable of book-keeping and self-auditing.
- Prove that they have enough capacity to execute the proposed project by presenting the firm evidence, such as activity report of previous activities and achievements.
- Proposed project must be implemented in developing countries and areas.
- Applications must be made for conservation activities under the categories mentioned above.
- Applicants must assure the participation of local communities for practical activities such as afforestation, wildlife conservation, prevention of pollution, etc.
Complete application materials include – completed grant request form; organization’s articles of Incorporation or equivalent bylaws; a register of members who constitute the board of directors or equivalent decision-making body of the organization; organization’s statement of accounts for the past three years; reports, photographs and other materials showing the outline of similar activities in the past three years; other background materials that provide details of the project, blank official postcard, ‘Power of Attorney’ and documents explain a relationship between a Non-Japanese organization (applicant) and agent in Japan.
For more information, please visit Japan Fund for Global Environment. At: http://www.erca.go.jp/jfge/english/index.html
To fix child sex ratio, govt to launch Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, a key scheme announced by his government to address the dipping child sex ratio and empower India’s girl child, from Haryana’s Panipat district on January 22.
Modi’s decision to choose Haryana is significant as at 832 girls per 1,000 boys (Census 2011), the state has one of the lowest child sex ratio in the country.
“Haryana was chosen intentionally as it has a poor track record as far as protecting the girl child is concerned. Launching the scheme from here would put the spotlight on the state to take urgent measures to address the dipping sex ratio,” said a government official.
The overall child sex ratio (CSR) of India is also one of the worst in the world. From 927 girls per 1,000 boys in 2001, it dipped to 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011, the lowest since 1961.
The scheme, piloted by the women & child development (WCD) ministry, will initially be launched in 100 districts across India which have the worst CSR.
An allocation of `100 crore has been made for the scheme which proposes a slew of measures such as providing incentives to pregnant mothers to register during the first trimester to giving rewards to informers to help identify unregistered clinics indulging in illegal sex selection tests.
“Advocacy would be a key component. The idea is to use incentives and disincentives; right from the time a girl child is born to her education and marriage, to protect her,” said the official.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/to-fix-child-sex-ratio-govt-to-launch-beti-bachao-beti-padhao-scheme/article1-1296577.aspx
Modi’s decision to choose Haryana is significant as at 832 girls per 1,000 boys (Census 2011), the state has one of the lowest child sex ratio in the country.
“Haryana was chosen intentionally as it has a poor track record as far as protecting the girl child is concerned. Launching the scheme from here would put the spotlight on the state to take urgent measures to address the dipping sex ratio,” said a government official.
The overall child sex ratio (CSR) of India is also one of the worst in the world. From 927 girls per 1,000 boys in 2001, it dipped to 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011, the lowest since 1961.
The scheme, piloted by the women & child development (WCD) ministry, will initially be launched in 100 districts across India which have the worst CSR.
An allocation of `100 crore has been made for the scheme which proposes a slew of measures such as providing incentives to pregnant mothers to register during the first trimester to giving rewards to informers to help identify unregistered clinics indulging in illegal sex selection tests.
“Advocacy would be a key component. The idea is to use incentives and disincentives; right from the time a girl child is born to her education and marriage, to protect her,” said the official.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/to-fix-child-sex-ratio-govt-to-launch-beti-bachao-beti-padhao-scheme/article1-1296577.aspx
Saturday, December 13, 2014
National Commission for Women invites Applications for LAP and PMLA
Last date 31st December 2014
Call for Proposals in the Commission for Conducting Legal Awareness Programme (LAP) and Parivarik Mahila Lok Adala (PMLA)
Under section 10(1)(h) of the National Commission for Women Act 1990, the Commission is required to undertake propotional and educational research so as to suggest ways of ensuring due representation of women in all spheres and to identify factors responsible for impending their advancement. The Commission collaborates with Govt.Semi Govt. organisations, univeristies, Non Governmental Organisations etc. to undertake Research Studies, Seminars/Workshops, Legal Awareness Programmes and Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalas etc to implement the mandate. For further details see the link below:
Call Order: https://app.box.com/s/x6dentk1kzo3fh6g61i6
For guidelines and other information visit:
http://ncw.nic.in/frmRes_GuidelinesNotification.aspx
Call for Proposals in the Commission for Conducting Legal Awareness Programme (LAP) and Parivarik Mahila Lok Adala (PMLA)
Under section 10(1)(h) of the National Commission for Women Act 1990, the Commission is required to undertake propotional and educational research so as to suggest ways of ensuring due representation of women in all spheres and to identify factors responsible for impending their advancement. The Commission collaborates with Govt.Semi Govt. organisations, univeristies, Non Governmental Organisations etc. to undertake Research Studies, Seminars/Workshops, Legal Awareness Programmes and Parivarik Mahila Lok Adalas etc to implement the mandate. For further details see the link below:
Call Order: https://app.box.com/s/x6dentk1kzo3fh6g61i6
For guidelines and other information visit:
http://ncw.nic.in/frmRes_GuidelinesNotification.aspx
Thursday, December 11, 2014
No foreign funds for NGOs without approval
The government on Tuesday informed Lok Sabha that certain NGOs receiving funds from abroad hold campaigns against critical operations like nuclear power plants and mining, affecting the progress of the country.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told the lower that some NGOs have been barred from receiving funds from abroad without the prior approval of the home ministry.
The minister said the CBI was investigating 23 cases related to NGOs while nine more were being investigated by the state police. “Activities of some foreign-funded NGOs were directed against interests of the country,” he said. On amending the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) — which enables NGO’s to accept foreign funds — he said a holistic view is required on the issue.
The government has either issued or is in the process of issuing notices to 10,343 NGOs registered under FCRA that have not filed annual returns for any of the financial years — 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. Of these, 1441 NGOs are registered in Andhra Pradesh, 1110 in Tamil Nadu and 1167 in Uttar Pradesh.
Rijiju said the home ministry has introduced a penalty for late filing of returns from April, 2013. “Associations that default in filing the returns or do not file the returns will face penal action,” he said.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-foreign-funds-for-ngos-without-approval/article1-1292620.aspx
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told the lower that some NGOs have been barred from receiving funds from abroad without the prior approval of the home ministry.
The minister said the CBI was investigating 23 cases related to NGOs while nine more were being investigated by the state police. “Activities of some foreign-funded NGOs were directed against interests of the country,” he said. On amending the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) — which enables NGO’s to accept foreign funds — he said a holistic view is required on the issue.
The government has either issued or is in the process of issuing notices to 10,343 NGOs registered under FCRA that have not filed annual returns for any of the financial years — 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12. Of these, 1441 NGOs are registered in Andhra Pradesh, 1110 in Tamil Nadu and 1167 in Uttar Pradesh.
Rijiju said the home ministry has introduced a penalty for late filing of returns from April, 2013. “Associations that default in filing the returns or do not file the returns will face penal action,” he said.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/no-foreign-funds-for-ngos-without-approval/article1-1292620.aspx
Society needs NGOs: President
Monday, December 08, 2014, Gurgaon: The society needs non-government organisations (NGOs) to serve people in areas where a gap still remains between demand and availability, President Pranab Mukherjee today said.
“Though the government is doing a lot but still gap remains between the demand and availability and the NGOs should come forward to bridge that gap,” he said. The President was addressing a gathering after inaugurating an old-age home and a school building of an NGO, Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), in Wazirpur village, Sector 92 Gurgaon.
Mukherjee also laid the foundation stone of a prayer hall in the premises of the NGO. Speaking at the occasion, the President said that the core of our Constitution is ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya’ (everybody should be blessed and happy). He said that the objective of all the social activity should be ‘Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay’ (welfare of all) and it should not be for an individual but for whole of the humanity.
The President said that the Hindu religion has emphasised that service to humanity is equal to service to God. Mukherjee said that BSS is launching a series of celebrations beginning with this ceremony to mark its centenary year in 2017. Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) was founded by Acharya Sreemat Swami Pranava Nandaji Maharaj. Nandaji was born in 1896 at Bajitpur in present-day Bangladesh.
Source: http://www.dayandnightnews.com/2014/12/society-needs-ngos-president
Society needs NGOs: President
The society needs non-government organisations (NGOs) to serve people in areas where a gap still remains between demand and availability, President Pranab Mukherjee today said.
"Though the government is doing a lot but still gap remains between the demand and availability and the NGOs should come forward to bridge that gap," he said.
The President was addressing a gathering after inaugurating an old-age home and a school building of an NGO, Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), in Wazirpur village, Sector 92 Gurgaon.
Mukherjee also laid the foundation stone of a prayer hall in the premises of the NGO.
Speaking at the occasion, the President said that the core of our Constitution is 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya' (everybody should be blessed and happy).
He said that the objective of all the social activity should be 'Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay' (welfare of all) and it should not be for an individual but for whole of the humanity.
The President said that the Hindu religion has emphasised that service to humanity is equal to service to God.
Mukherjee said that BSS is launching a series of celebrations beginning with this ceremony to mark its centenary year in 2017.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) was founded by Acharya Sreemat Swami Pranava Nandaji Maharaj. Nandaji was born in 1896 at Bajitpur in present-day Bangladesh.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/society-needs-ngos-president-114120700766_1.html
"Though the government is doing a lot but still gap remains between the demand and availability and the NGOs should come forward to bridge that gap," he said.
The President was addressing a gathering after inaugurating an old-age home and a school building of an NGO, Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS), in Wazirpur village, Sector 92 Gurgaon.
Mukherjee also laid the foundation stone of a prayer hall in the premises of the NGO.
Speaking at the occasion, the President said that the core of our Constitution is 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina, Sarve Santu Niramaya' (everybody should be blessed and happy).
He said that the objective of all the social activity should be 'Bahujan Hitay, Bahujan Sukhay' (welfare of all) and it should not be for an individual but for whole of the humanity.
The President said that the Hindu religion has emphasised that service to humanity is equal to service to God.
Mukherjee said that BSS is launching a series of celebrations beginning with this ceremony to mark its centenary year in 2017.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) was founded by Acharya Sreemat Swami Pranava Nandaji Maharaj. Nandaji was born in 1896 at Bajitpur in present-day Bangladesh.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/society-needs-ngos-president-114120700766_1.html
Our goal is to create 1 mn jobs and 1,000 philanthropists by 2020: Ravi Venkatesan
According to Social Progress Index 2014, India ranks way below its neighbouring countries on social development indicators. Social Venture Partners (SVP) India, launched in 2012 by Ravi Venkatesan, former chairman of Microsoft India, aims at improving social welfare of India. SVP India brings together philanthropists who want to address social problems through venture philanthropy. He speaks to Reghu Balakrishnan on SVP’s journey so far and how it can improve the quality of life of underprivileged Indians. Edited excerpts:
What was the rationale behind launching SVP India in 2012?
India ranks pretty low on most social development indicators and ranks at 102nd position among 150 nations — well behind Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Half of India’s population lack toilets and two-thirds lack access to safe water. After I stepped down from a full-time corporate career, I met a fairly large number of people who felt a strong desire to “give back” to society — to contribute money, time and expertise to worthwhile causes and organisations. We needed a model that would allow us to pair up good non profits with people who have the relevant expertise and who can help them really scale up their impact. After much searching, we found such a model in the US and a few of us came together to start Social Venture Partners in Bengaluru in 2012.
How has the journey been in the past two years?
We have 80 donor-partners in Bengaluru and we are shortly going to give our second set of grants. We have worked with several NGOs and social enterprises, not just in funding projects but working on core capacity-building. We have engaged with corporates on their CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy, and made a start in rolling out partner education programmes, to inform and educate our partners and make them better philanthropists. We have already started our chapter in Pune and Mumbai and hope to get going in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata next year. Recently, we have set an audacious goal for ourselves – to help create one million jobs and 1,000 philanthropists by 2020.
What are the criteria for choosing NGOs and which are the key areas of focus?
We have a proven grants process, which all SVP chapters around the world follow. A group of partners gets together every year to form what we call the Grants Committee (GC). Acting as stewards of the pooled grant funds, the GC represents the partnership in choosing new NGOs to work with. Nationally, we focus on the livelihoods sector and within this broad umbrella, each chapter can choose where it wants to work and which NGOs it wants to work with. Additionally, each chapter can also choose a local focus area, which it will fund. For example, in Bengaluru, we have chosen to intervene and work with the government in the waste management space.
Other than waste management, what are the common issues that need to be addressed in India?
Collectively, we believe that fixing governance in this country is very important. Otherwise, we are just addressing the symptoms and not the disease. We are fortunate in having credible and influential partners in each city where we operate. Therefore, we believe that we could potentially play a constructive role over time in working with organisations that are doing good work in governance — be it in justice, legislative process, sanitation, etc.
How can SVP India play a crucial role in the background of regulators demand for more CSR from India Inc?
We have started engaging with companies on helping them develop their CSR strategy and align this with their business goals. We are also working with one company helping them build a more robust employee engagement platform through CSR. Over time, there is an opportunity for companies to co-invest with us in worthwhile organisations in the livelihood space. Many companies are well-intentioned but have trouble finding the right credible organisations to partner with.
How much has been deployed by SVP India so far?
In Bengaluru, nearly Rs 1 crore was committed last year and a similar amount this year. This does not include thousands of hours of free bro-pono consulting provided to NGOs by SVP partners. If you put a monetary value on this, the figure would be greater. This year, the Pune and Mumbai chapters will also be making their first grants.
As more corporate leaders are coming with philanthropy ideas and the space is getting crowded, how can SVP India differentiate itself?
The scale of the problems in India ensures that more is always better. However, we do not believe that money is the most fundamental issue. Creating professionally-run, credible organisations that can scale and be sustainable in the long run is more critical. This is where our model of engaging with our investees and helping with capacity building is important and that is the differentiator. In addition, being the catalyst that can leverage our connections and networks to help grassroots organisations in the livelihood space will be our niche.
What’s the role of SVP Academy?
SVP Academy exists to make our partner-donors better philanthropists. We induct, induce and immerse our partners into issues and challenges facing the country. We currently do this through speaker events and on-the-ground experiences. Going forward, we want to create more programmes to educate our partners on giving philanthropy and social issues. We hope this will make many of them contribute much more and much more meaningfully; not just through SVP, but even outside the SVP network.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goal-is-to-create-1-mn-jobs-and-1000-philanthropists-by-2020-ravi-venkatesan-114120300682_1.html
What was the rationale behind launching SVP India in 2012?
India ranks pretty low on most social development indicators and ranks at 102nd position among 150 nations — well behind Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. Half of India’s population lack toilets and two-thirds lack access to safe water. After I stepped down from a full-time corporate career, I met a fairly large number of people who felt a strong desire to “give back” to society — to contribute money, time and expertise to worthwhile causes and organisations. We needed a model that would allow us to pair up good non profits with people who have the relevant expertise and who can help them really scale up their impact. After much searching, we found such a model in the US and a few of us came together to start Social Venture Partners in Bengaluru in 2012.
How has the journey been in the past two years?
We have 80 donor-partners in Bengaluru and we are shortly going to give our second set of grants. We have worked with several NGOs and social enterprises, not just in funding projects but working on core capacity-building. We have engaged with corporates on their CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy, and made a start in rolling out partner education programmes, to inform and educate our partners and make them better philanthropists. We have already started our chapter in Pune and Mumbai and hope to get going in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Kolkata next year. Recently, we have set an audacious goal for ourselves – to help create one million jobs and 1,000 philanthropists by 2020.
What are the criteria for choosing NGOs and which are the key areas of focus?
We have a proven grants process, which all SVP chapters around the world follow. A group of partners gets together every year to form what we call the Grants Committee (GC). Acting as stewards of the pooled grant funds, the GC represents the partnership in choosing new NGOs to work with. Nationally, we focus on the livelihoods sector and within this broad umbrella, each chapter can choose where it wants to work and which NGOs it wants to work with. Additionally, each chapter can also choose a local focus area, which it will fund. For example, in Bengaluru, we have chosen to intervene and work with the government in the waste management space.
Other than waste management, what are the common issues that need to be addressed in India?
Collectively, we believe that fixing governance in this country is very important. Otherwise, we are just addressing the symptoms and not the disease. We are fortunate in having credible and influential partners in each city where we operate. Therefore, we believe that we could potentially play a constructive role over time in working with organisations that are doing good work in governance — be it in justice, legislative process, sanitation, etc.
How can SVP India play a crucial role in the background of regulators demand for more CSR from India Inc?
We have started engaging with companies on helping them develop their CSR strategy and align this with their business goals. We are also working with one company helping them build a more robust employee engagement platform through CSR. Over time, there is an opportunity for companies to co-invest with us in worthwhile organisations in the livelihood space. Many companies are well-intentioned but have trouble finding the right credible organisations to partner with.
How much has been deployed by SVP India so far?
In Bengaluru, nearly Rs 1 crore was committed last year and a similar amount this year. This does not include thousands of hours of free bro-pono consulting provided to NGOs by SVP partners. If you put a monetary value on this, the figure would be greater. This year, the Pune and Mumbai chapters will also be making their first grants.
As more corporate leaders are coming with philanthropy ideas and the space is getting crowded, how can SVP India differentiate itself?
The scale of the problems in India ensures that more is always better. However, we do not believe that money is the most fundamental issue. Creating professionally-run, credible organisations that can scale and be sustainable in the long run is more critical. This is where our model of engaging with our investees and helping with capacity building is important and that is the differentiator. In addition, being the catalyst that can leverage our connections and networks to help grassroots organisations in the livelihood space will be our niche.
What’s the role of SVP Academy?
SVP Academy exists to make our partner-donors better philanthropists. We induct, induce and immerse our partners into issues and challenges facing the country. We currently do this through speaker events and on-the-ground experiences. Going forward, we want to create more programmes to educate our partners on giving philanthropy and social issues. We hope this will make many of them contribute much more and much more meaningfully; not just through SVP, but even outside the SVP network.
Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/goal-is-to-create-1-mn-jobs-and-1000-philanthropists-by-2020-ravi-venkatesan-114120300682_1.html
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Rajiv Mishra to Lead Samsung’s CSR Division in India
· Samsung’s current CSR initiatives include Guru Shiksha programme, Samsung Smart School,
· Samsung Technical Schools, Nanum’ village project & MSME-Samsung Technical Schools
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that Rajiv Mishra would head Samsung’s CSR division in India. Samsung lays strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, which involves extending the company’s legacy of innovation to create value for society by addressing societal needs and challenges. Through the CSR initiatives Samsung hopes to open newer possibilities that positively transform people's lives.
Speaking about the development, Mr. H.W. Bang, Senior Vice President of Samsung South West Asia said “I am happy to announce that Rajiv Mishra, V.P, Media has been given the additional responsibility of leading Samsung India’s CSR division. At present, our CSR programmes focus in the areas of education, culture, sports, social welfare and community development. I am confident that under Rajiv’s leadership, Samsung’s CSR initiatives will cross new milestones.”
Samsung has, over the years, leveraged its legacy of technology innovation through philanthropic initiatives focused on helping communities lead healthier, smarter and more sustainable lives. In addition to skill development among youth, Samsung also places substantial focus on providing underprivileged children a chance at quality education and in helping bridge the digital gap that exists in India. This is done through Samsung Smart Schools, set up in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the length and breadth of the country. The Smart Classes are equipped with an interactive Samsung whiteboard, Samsung laptops for the students, a printer, wi-fi and a power backup since power outages are common. Over 198 Smart Schools have been set up to date in India, benefitting 75,000 secondary class students. Samsung continues to expand the program based on positive feedback received from the schools on the impact on students learning and attendance.
Rajiv Mishra joined Samsung in August 2014. Rajiv’s career spans over 22 years during which he has held several key positions. Prior to joining Samsung, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Lok Sabha TV. In this role he led the overall functions of the channel including marketing, sales, distribution, producing, hosting and telecasting a complete array of programmes of general interest on issues relating to democracy, governance, social, economic and constitutional issues as well as citizens’ concerns. He has worked for leading media companies like the Hindustan Times, Star TV, TV Asia of USA, BAG Films & Media. He is also the nominated Member of various Media Advisory bodies in various Ministry of Government of India.
Rajiv Mishra is also the founder and first President of Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) and also the first President of Association of Regional Television Broadcasters of India (ARTBI), the industry representative body of regional Broadcasters of India. He has recently been nominated as member, expert committee of Information & Broadcasting Ministry to develop papers on copyright issues.
He is a Masters in Broadcasting from IAB, Montreux, Switzerland and MBA in Media Management from MCNY, USA. Rajiv Mishra can be contacted at rajiv.mishra@samsung.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visitwww.samsung.com.
Source: http://www.moneylife.in/business-wire-news/rajiv-mishra-to-lead-samsungs-csr-division-in-india/41816.html
· Samsung Technical Schools, Nanum’ village project & MSME-Samsung Technical Schools
Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that Rajiv Mishra would head Samsung’s CSR division in India. Samsung lays strong emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, which involves extending the company’s legacy of innovation to create value for society by addressing societal needs and challenges. Through the CSR initiatives Samsung hopes to open newer possibilities that positively transform people's lives.
Speaking about the development, Mr. H.W. Bang, Senior Vice President of Samsung South West Asia said “I am happy to announce that Rajiv Mishra, V.P, Media has been given the additional responsibility of leading Samsung India’s CSR division. At present, our CSR programmes focus in the areas of education, culture, sports, social welfare and community development. I am confident that under Rajiv’s leadership, Samsung’s CSR initiatives will cross new milestones.”
Samsung has, over the years, leveraged its legacy of technology innovation through philanthropic initiatives focused on helping communities lead healthier, smarter and more sustainable lives. In addition to skill development among youth, Samsung also places substantial focus on providing underprivileged children a chance at quality education and in helping bridge the digital gap that exists in India. This is done through Samsung Smart Schools, set up in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the length and breadth of the country. The Smart Classes are equipped with an interactive Samsung whiteboard, Samsung laptops for the students, a printer, wi-fi and a power backup since power outages are common. Over 198 Smart Schools have been set up to date in India, benefitting 75,000 secondary class students. Samsung continues to expand the program based on positive feedback received from the schools on the impact on students learning and attendance.
Rajiv Mishra joined Samsung in August 2014. Rajiv’s career spans over 22 years during which he has held several key positions. Prior to joining Samsung, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Lok Sabha TV. In this role he led the overall functions of the channel including marketing, sales, distribution, producing, hosting and telecasting a complete array of programmes of general interest on issues relating to democracy, governance, social, economic and constitutional issues as well as citizens’ concerns. He has worked for leading media companies like the Hindustan Times, Star TV, TV Asia of USA, BAG Films & Media. He is also the nominated Member of various Media Advisory bodies in various Ministry of Government of India.
Rajiv Mishra is also the founder and first President of Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) and also the first President of Association of Regional Television Broadcasters of India (ARTBI), the industry representative body of regional Broadcasters of India. He has recently been nominated as member, expert committee of Information & Broadcasting Ministry to develop papers on copyright issues.
He is a Masters in Broadcasting from IAB, Montreux, Switzerland and MBA in Media Management from MCNY, USA. Rajiv Mishra can be contacted at rajiv.mishra@samsung.com.
About Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, cameras, home appliances, printers, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 286,000 people across 80 countries with annual sales of US$216.7 billion. To discover more, please visitwww.samsung.com.
Source: http://www.moneylife.in/business-wire-news/rajiv-mishra-to-lead-samsungs-csr-division-in-india/41816.html
NGOs at Crossroad in Mainland China and Hong Kong
By Li Xiaojun, Director, The State Council Information Office, P.R.China
The concept of NGOs is quite new to China. China had social organizations which were closely linked to the governments for several decades. With the transformation of government functions and deepening of reform and openning-up, China has turned to nurture domestic NGOs like other countries.
NGOs in Mainland China and Hong Kong
The spring for NGOs is coming to China. By the end of 2013, mainland China has 5.47 lakh registered NGOs which employed 1.2 crore people. They have played very important roles in areas like social service, poverty alleviation, science, education, health, culture, ecological and environmental protection, religion, community service, legal service and so on. They mostly provide professional services and consultations to society and government. The Chinese leadership has called on deepening reform in an all-round way late last year. It includes the transformation of some functions of the government to NGOs in big strides. The government would buy services from NGOs in the course of turning itself to service-oriented from a management-oriented one. For example, the State Council and the Ministry of Finance published guidelines for government agencies to buy services from NGOs to better meet diversified needs of the masses. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of China put a notice on October 29 to invite domestic NGOs to apply for a funding of RMB 20 crore yuan ( Rs. 200 crore) to carry out services to orphans and poverty or natural disaster striken people in remote regions. NGOs are set to flourish in mainland China.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) came into being in 1997 after its handover from Britain to China. It boasts of Western-style democracy, a vibrant economy based on free trade and plenty of NGOs. “Small government and big society” is its mantra. It has more than 2 lakh NGOs which administer 90 percent of social welfare schemes. the HKSAR government provides for half of their fundings. In the 2012-2013 budget year, the government bought services from local NGOs worth 13 billion HK dollars. It is worth mentioning that some Hong Kong NGOs have contributed a lot to the needy people in mainland China. There are also a small number of political NGOs which have innumerable connections with Western countries. They play to the hands of Western countries. The illegal Occupy Central protest which has lasted for 49 days in downtown Hong Kong proved this. But the incident is drawing to conclusion with two thirds of residents being against the movement according to an opinion poll conducted by Hong Kong University recently.
NGOs as Intervetion Tools by Western Countries
In contrast, according to statistics, Britain, France and the U.S. each has more than one million NGOs. They are also home to many internationally famous or notorious political NGOs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Journalists without Frontiers. Western countries are highly experienced in using NGOs to meddle in the demestic affairs of other countries. Color revolutions in Central Asian, Arabian and East European countries could not have happened without NGOs in spearheading the revolts.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in November 2009 the Civil Society 2.0 Initiative with a funding of 5 million dollars to build capacity of grassroots organizations in North Africa and the Middle East. Her aim was to enable NGOs in these countries to do the work that, in the past, Western NGOs and governments have done. Her efforts paid off but not without side effects. One year after the unveiling of her initiative, Tunisia saw Jasmine Revolution, Eygpt put President Hosni Mubarak behind the bars, Libyan leader Colonel Qaddafi was killed. And many Arabian countries experienced a wave of color revolutions and violence. The U.S. welcomed the new developments. It’s the common Arabian people who suffered the most. On the demestic front, Western governments prevented major protests from happening in their home soil in view of the financial tusnami in 2008 which brought immense bitterness to common man in the western world. The Western capitals should have been occupied 1000 times but that had not happened. Although Occupy Wall Street Movement was held in a park in New York, it was crushed by 1000 police officers in a moment. The western people and NGOs had been fooled by their governments and their media. It’s worth studying.
Generally speaking, Western countries are rich in NGOs and good at using NGOs to fullfil their stategic and political goals. Western troops, media and NGOs are the three effective tools in seeding thorns among the people in countries and regions which they do not like. Although called non-governmental organizations, many Western NGOs get their funding from their governments, legislatures or political parties. For example, National Endowment for Democracy (NED) based in Washington has kept on providing substantial funding to overseas Chinese dissidents, Tibet splittists and Xinjiang Uyghur splittists and recently Hong Kong pan-democrats to destablize China. It was disclosed by Hong Kong media that Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Labor Party of Hong Kong, a pan-democrat, was very active in Occupy Central by accepting big sums of money from the U.S. It’s also disclosed that the the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) with Lee as its secretary-general received secretly more than 1.3 crore HK dollars from American Center for International Labor Solidarity, an arm of NED, since 1994. Lee has violated relevant HKSAR laws by not reporting the transfer to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong. There are many such cases involving Occupy Central in Hong Kong.
It was reported by BBC on October 24 that plans on Occupy Central demonstration were hatched in Hong Kong back in January 2013. BBC Newsnight has been told in the Oslo Freedom forum that “some leading protesters received advice and materials from Western activists to help them train as many as 1,000 of those who would later be involved in the demonstrations”. It is getting clear that some pro-independence lawmakers in Hong Kong has joined hands with local and foreign NGOs and a few foreign governments, parliamentarians and think tanks to facilitate Occupy Central. It was unfortunate that the anti-subversion bill was shelved indefinitely in 2003. But that was in contradiction with the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The Constitution of China and the Basic Law are the cornerstones for Hong Kong’s existence. Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People’s Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies.” In my view, today as Beijing is determined to promote the rule of law throughout the country, some members of the Hong Kong Legistive Council would feel the heat of accusations of violation of the constitution.
Hong Kong must change if it still wants to stick to principles of democracy and the rule of law after the bankruptcy of Occupy Central whose days are numbered.Indians are luckier than Chinese in dealing with foreign NGOs. India has Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)to regulate NGOs in receiving foreign fundings. I remember the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project was delayed by anti-nuclear activists and NGOs backed by the US funding because it was a Russian supported project. The project became the victim of big power contest. No country cherishes independence like India or China. Fortunately the Union government of India took swift action by applying FCRA and the funding was cut off and NGOs involved were punished.
The project was carried on. That was in 2012. Unlike India, China does not have such an act or regulation. It is imaginable how difficult it is to monitor and regulate domestic and foreign NGOs in this regard. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a plenary session in Beijing late last month. It adopted the Decision on Comprehensively Advancing the Rule of Law. It is set to shape the future of the whole country. The Decision has 186 measures to enforce the rule of law. One of the measures prescribes that “To strengthen the supervision of foreign NGOs in China, and to guide and supervise them in carrying out activites according to law”. China has a lot to learn from India in this regard.
Challenges for Domestic NGOs and Foreign NGOs
For domestic NGOs in China, they should not drift into paws of foreign interests. The promise of big cash or sponsored foreign trips sometimes become allurement for selling oneself’s souls.This kind of danger is always there. The domestic NGOs have to enhance capacity building and come up with new ways for resources mobilizing. As for overseas and foreign NGOs in China, the majority are good. They have channeled big sums of funds, expertise and resources in helping China fight against poverty, diseases, and pollution. These kind of foreign NGOs have become lubricants in maintaining good relations between their country and China. In theory, every NGO should play angel instead of troublemaker. But in practice, a very small number of foreign NGOs carry out illegal activities in the disguise of legal identity. They deserve punishment.
The other challenge is the hostile Western media. Half a month ago, hundreds of demonstrators took part in Occupy the Parliament Square Protest in London. But it was like it never happened . Major media like the BBC, Reuters, the Financial Times, the Daily Telegraph who reported extensively on Hong Kong’s Occupy Central turned a blind eye to this home-grown NGOs’event. Only the Independent Television network website mentioned it briefly. It transpired that all the demonstrators were rounded up and fifteen of them had been arrested over the three days that the protest had lasted. Obviously the British media are good players of double standard in filing reports on NGO activities.
As to Hong Kong, the 18-year old student leader in Occupy Central Joshua Wong was put on the cover of The Time magazine in an October issue. The Time was eager to make him a democracy champion and human rights idol. He heads an NGO of college and middle students. The underlining motive was self-evident.
Source: http://www.newdelhitimes.com/ngos-at-crossroad-in-mainland-china-and-hong-kong123
The concept of NGOs is quite new to China. China had social organizations which were closely linked to the governments for several decades. With the transformation of government functions and deepening of reform and openning-up, China has turned to nurture domestic NGOs like other countries.
NGOs in Mainland China and Hong Kong
The spring for NGOs is coming to China. By the end of 2013, mainland China has 5.47 lakh registered NGOs which employed 1.2 crore people. They have played very important roles in areas like social service, poverty alleviation, science, education, health, culture, ecological and environmental protection, religion, community service, legal service and so on. They mostly provide professional services and consultations to society and government. The Chinese leadership has called on deepening reform in an all-round way late last year. It includes the transformation of some functions of the government to NGOs in big strides. The government would buy services from NGOs in the course of turning itself to service-oriented from a management-oriented one. For example, the State Council and the Ministry of Finance published guidelines for government agencies to buy services from NGOs to better meet diversified needs of the masses. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of China put a notice on October 29 to invite domestic NGOs to apply for a funding of RMB 20 crore yuan ( Rs. 200 crore) to carry out services to orphans and poverty or natural disaster striken people in remote regions. NGOs are set to flourish in mainland China.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) came into being in 1997 after its handover from Britain to China. It boasts of Western-style democracy, a vibrant economy based on free trade and plenty of NGOs. “Small government and big society” is its mantra. It has more than 2 lakh NGOs which administer 90 percent of social welfare schemes. the HKSAR government provides for half of their fundings. In the 2012-2013 budget year, the government bought services from local NGOs worth 13 billion HK dollars. It is worth mentioning that some Hong Kong NGOs have contributed a lot to the needy people in mainland China. There are also a small number of political NGOs which have innumerable connections with Western countries. They play to the hands of Western countries. The illegal Occupy Central protest which has lasted for 49 days in downtown Hong Kong proved this. But the incident is drawing to conclusion with two thirds of residents being against the movement according to an opinion poll conducted by Hong Kong University recently.
NGOs as Intervetion Tools by Western Countries
In contrast, according to statistics, Britain, France and the U.S. each has more than one million NGOs. They are also home to many internationally famous or notorious political NGOs like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Journalists without Frontiers. Western countries are highly experienced in using NGOs to meddle in the demestic affairs of other countries. Color revolutions in Central Asian, Arabian and East European countries could not have happened without NGOs in spearheading the revolts.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in November 2009 the Civil Society 2.0 Initiative with a funding of 5 million dollars to build capacity of grassroots organizations in North Africa and the Middle East. Her aim was to enable NGOs in these countries to do the work that, in the past, Western NGOs and governments have done. Her efforts paid off but not without side effects. One year after the unveiling of her initiative, Tunisia saw Jasmine Revolution, Eygpt put President Hosni Mubarak behind the bars, Libyan leader Colonel Qaddafi was killed. And many Arabian countries experienced a wave of color revolutions and violence. The U.S. welcomed the new developments. It’s the common Arabian people who suffered the most. On the demestic front, Western governments prevented major protests from happening in their home soil in view of the financial tusnami in 2008 which brought immense bitterness to common man in the western world. The Western capitals should have been occupied 1000 times but that had not happened. Although Occupy Wall Street Movement was held in a park in New York, it was crushed by 1000 police officers in a moment. The western people and NGOs had been fooled by their governments and their media. It’s worth studying.
Generally speaking, Western countries are rich in NGOs and good at using NGOs to fullfil their stategic and political goals. Western troops, media and NGOs are the three effective tools in seeding thorns among the people in countries and regions which they do not like. Although called non-governmental organizations, many Western NGOs get their funding from their governments, legislatures or political parties. For example, National Endowment for Democracy (NED) based in Washington has kept on providing substantial funding to overseas Chinese dissidents, Tibet splittists and Xinjiang Uyghur splittists and recently Hong Kong pan-democrats to destablize China. It was disclosed by Hong Kong media that Lee Cheuk-yan, chairman of the Labor Party of Hong Kong, a pan-democrat, was very active in Occupy Central by accepting big sums of money from the U.S. It’s also disclosed that the the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) with Lee as its secretary-general received secretly more than 1.3 crore HK dollars from American Center for International Labor Solidarity, an arm of NED, since 1994. Lee has violated relevant HKSAR laws by not reporting the transfer to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong. There are many such cases involving Occupy Central in Hong Kong.
It was reported by BBC on October 24 that plans on Occupy Central demonstration were hatched in Hong Kong back in January 2013. BBC Newsnight has been told in the Oslo Freedom forum that “some leading protesters received advice and materials from Western activists to help them train as many as 1,000 of those who would later be involved in the demonstrations”. It is getting clear that some pro-independence lawmakers in Hong Kong has joined hands with local and foreign NGOs and a few foreign governments, parliamentarians and think tanks to facilitate Occupy Central. It was unfortunate that the anti-subversion bill was shelved indefinitely in 2003. But that was in contradiction with the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The Constitution of China and the Basic Law are the cornerstones for Hong Kong’s existence. Article 23 of the Basic Law stipulates that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall enact laws on its own to prohibit any act of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the Central People’s Government, or theft of state secrets, to prohibit foreign political organizations or bodies from conducting political activities in the Region, and to prohibit political organizations or bodies of the Region from establishing ties with foreign political organizations or bodies.” In my view, today as Beijing is determined to promote the rule of law throughout the country, some members of the Hong Kong Legistive Council would feel the heat of accusations of violation of the constitution.
Hong Kong must change if it still wants to stick to principles of democracy and the rule of law after the bankruptcy of Occupy Central whose days are numbered.Indians are luckier than Chinese in dealing with foreign NGOs. India has Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)to regulate NGOs in receiving foreign fundings. I remember the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project was delayed by anti-nuclear activists and NGOs backed by the US funding because it was a Russian supported project. The project became the victim of big power contest. No country cherishes independence like India or China. Fortunately the Union government of India took swift action by applying FCRA and the funding was cut off and NGOs involved were punished.
The project was carried on. That was in 2012. Unlike India, China does not have such an act or regulation. It is imaginable how difficult it is to monitor and regulate domestic and foreign NGOs in this regard. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a plenary session in Beijing late last month. It adopted the Decision on Comprehensively Advancing the Rule of Law. It is set to shape the future of the whole country. The Decision has 186 measures to enforce the rule of law. One of the measures prescribes that “To strengthen the supervision of foreign NGOs in China, and to guide and supervise them in carrying out activites according to law”. China has a lot to learn from India in this regard.
Challenges for Domestic NGOs and Foreign NGOs
For domestic NGOs in China, they should not drift into paws of foreign interests. The promise of big cash or sponsored foreign trips sometimes become allurement for selling oneself’s souls.This kind of danger is always there. The domestic NGOs have to enhance capacity building and come up with new ways for resources mobilizing. As for overseas and foreign NGOs in China, the majority are good. They have channeled big sums of funds, expertise and resources in helping China fight against poverty, diseases, and pollution. These kind of foreign NGOs have become lubricants in maintaining good relations between their country and China. In theory, every NGO should play angel instead of troublemaker. But in practice, a very small number of foreign NGOs carry out illegal activities in the disguise of legal identity. They deserve punishment.
The other challenge is the hostile Western media. Half a month ago, hundreds of demonstrators took part in Occupy the Parliament Square Protest in London. But it was like it never happened . Major media like the BBC, Reuters, the Financial Times, the Daily Telegraph who reported extensively on Hong Kong’s Occupy Central turned a blind eye to this home-grown NGOs’event. Only the Independent Television network website mentioned it briefly. It transpired that all the demonstrators were rounded up and fifteen of them had been arrested over the three days that the protest had lasted. Obviously the British media are good players of double standard in filing reports on NGO activities.
As to Hong Kong, the 18-year old student leader in Occupy Central Joshua Wong was put on the cover of The Time magazine in an October issue. The Time was eager to make him a democracy champion and human rights idol. He heads an NGO of college and middle students. The underlining motive was self-evident.
Source: http://www.newdelhitimes.com/ngos-at-crossroad-in-mainland-china-and-hong-kong123
No specific tax exemption for companies' CSR expenses: Government
NEW DELHI: The government on Friday said there is no specific tax exemption on expenses incurred by companies under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.
The new companies law, which came into force from April 1, requires certain class of profitable corporates to shell out at least 2 per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards CSR works.
"...no specific tax exemption has been extended to expenditure incurred on CSR," corporate affairs minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
However, he said that several activities that are part of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, already enjoy exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
These activities include contribution to Prime Minister's relief fund, scientific research, rural development and skill development projects. Schedule VII of the Act pertains to CSR.
"As regards contribution made by companies under CSR towards Swachh Bharat and Clean Ganga, no specific tax exemption has so far been made," Jaitley said in a written reply.
Responding to a query on whether the government has taken note of private sector companies trying to evade CSR on one pretext or the other, the minister said that information with regard to compliance would be available only after September 2015.
"This is the first year of implementation of CSR by companies under the Act. Information on compliance by companies in this regard will be available only after statutory annual returns on CSR are filed by companies, including private sector companies, which are due after September 2015," he said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/No-specific-tax-exemption-for-companies-CSR-expenses-Government/articleshow/45387201.cms
The new companies law, which came into force from April 1, requires certain class of profitable corporates to shell out at least 2 per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards CSR works.
"...no specific tax exemption has been extended to expenditure incurred on CSR," corporate affairs minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
However, he said that several activities that are part of Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, already enjoy exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
These activities include contribution to Prime Minister's relief fund, scientific research, rural development and skill development projects. Schedule VII of the Act pertains to CSR.
"As regards contribution made by companies under CSR towards Swachh Bharat and Clean Ganga, no specific tax exemption has so far been made," Jaitley said in a written reply.
Responding to a query on whether the government has taken note of private sector companies trying to evade CSR on one pretext or the other, the minister said that information with regard to compliance would be available only after September 2015.
"This is the first year of implementation of CSR by companies under the Act. Information on compliance by companies in this regard will be available only after statutory annual returns on CSR are filed by companies, including private sector companies, which are due after September 2015," he said.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/No-specific-tax-exemption-for-companies-CSR-expenses-Government/articleshow/45387201.cms
Are NGO’s India’s blind alley?
The service of others, has in recent times developed into a mantra, which unlike a pathological idea, wears a rather snappish line on a t-shirt. The modern definition or rather a commercial one ‘in service to others’ is the all encompassing NGO.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), India’s premier investigating agency, earlier in the year disclosed before the Supreme Court that there were about 20,00,000 NGO’s operating in the country. However, only a handful compared to the dwarfing cumulative number, submitted papers to relevant authorities for routine auditory checks.
It is not difficult to guess where the majority of these NGO’s exist. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh (not in any particular order) are frontrunners in the number of NGO’s that are currently active. Uttar Pradesh alone has a whopping number of over 5 lakh active non-governmental organizations operating.
The CBI report further reveals that only 8% of the NGO’s file their papers yearly, with regards to meeting financial regulations. The 2010-11 financial year statement about NGO’s funding pattern shows that nearly 22,000 NGO’s drew a cumulative amount of $2 billion from overseas – which is a fairly substantial amount. Majority of this donation has come from the US.
With much of the NGO sector working in an unregulated way, not filing any annual returns for years, not being questioned about the funding sources, or the objectives as play, what these organizations are delivering on the ground is also questionable.
Take case of an NGO having set up an eye camp in Punjab, where just a couple of days ago, a media reports states that 60 patients lost their eye sight due to cataract operations having been performed under unsanitary conditions.
We are all guilty of blindly acknowledging the role of NGOs as an organization based on the Mahatma’s ideals about ‘service of others’. We regularly fail to identify that the spurt in global concern about serving others in India has to be done so with bucket loads of money.
Contrary to general belief about NGOs working for the social good of mankind, an intelligence bureau (IB)report submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office recently did suggest that large overseas funded organizations were more likely to be detrimental to local growth.
One of the reason attributed being that NGO’s are in practice working as lobbying agents or market scouts from global brands or different countries by undermining local participation and against local interests.
While the IB’s report can be disputed but there is no doubt that the unregulated NGO sector has become blind alley for the country’s administrators. Something surely needs to done. Will the PMO’s office – as a public state promised – reign in runaway NGOs and align their roles with the development agenda that Prime Minister Narinder Modi has claimed his government will vigorously pursue or will the authorities continue to identify the book merely by its cover, remains to be seen.
Source: http://hillpost.in/2014/12/are-ngos-indias-blind-alley/101761
Ministry Eye on NGOs: Online Applications Made Mandatory for Organizations seeking funds for People living in Disability
The Social Justice Ministry has made a new order asking all
non-government organisations working for the disabled persons to apply online for grants. The
initiative aimed at ensuring transparency and a level playing field for
emerging NGOs. The order has come after the ministry,
which is in charge of disbursing grants, has blacklisted five NGOs for alleged
misappropriation of funds.
According to the order, from now onwards NGOs will have to apply on a
designated website, www.ngograntsje.gov.in
, with relevant documents before inviting a “grants in aid committee” — to be
set up by the state government concerned — for an inspection of the proposed project.
Previously, NGOs had to apply to the government concerned, which would
set up committees that would report back with its recommendations on grants
after a scrutiny. The state would forward the recommendations to the central
ministry, which was expected to follow the recommendations.
Order Guidelines
§ The Ministry has
made it mandatory for all NGOs that receive grants from the government to put
up on their website details of beneficiaries along with their mobile numbers
for better monitoring and feedback of the services rendered.
§ For the current (2014-15) financial
year, all applications by NGOs seeking grant in aid for the disability sector shall be accepted
online only.
§ The grants in aid
committee will ascertain through inspections carried out, the functioning and
suitability of the NGOs applying for the grants.
§ Inspecting officers
would have to put their signature and seal with date at the end of their
reports, which should clearly mention whether the grant in aid is recommended
or not.
§ Photographic
evidence should also be enclosed with the report.
§ Any official below
this rank found to be interacting with any such representative could be liable
to appropriate disciplinary action.
§ No further grants
would be released to an NGO that has not submitted a funds-utilization report
for more than a year.
Benefits
§ Transparency: This initiative would bring in
transparency in disbursement of grants. It has become a tradition in the sector
to give grants to the same organisations over and over again. Only those NGOs
that have some network in the states get their proposals approved through bureaucrats they know. These NGOs have learnt how to
work the system.
§ Central Database System: Online procedure
system would act like a central database. It will become easier for both NGOs
as well as the ministry to have all the details online. That way approval can
come quicker and NGOs don’t have to run around with documents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
