Kindly Donate to Indian Bravehearts

Indian Bravehearts is nonprofit NGO registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, and a proud initiative of an Army Officer, and is dedicated solely for the welfare and rehabilitation of the veterans and widows of the Armed Forces fraternity, to include the three military services under Min of Def and the central armed police forces under Min of Home Affairs.

We are all well aware that these disciplined forces have always served the country well, having sacrificed everything including their family lives for the integrity of the Nation and well being of its citizen. Their unquestionable integrity, sincerity, industrious nature and absolute devotion to duty is worthy of emulation by all. There are innumerable saga of heroism and courage, both at individual and collective level. These become more pronounced considering the heavy odds they may encounter or circumstances that may prevail in the area of operations, like inhospitable terrain, extreme weather conditions, difficult living conditions, unfriendly people and surroundings, and even the lack of basic necessities like food, water and medicines. This reminds me of Tennyson’s famous lines in the poem, ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’, …. theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die…’.

I suppose it becomes our bounded duty and collective responsibility to look after their basic needs now that they are growing old and infirm, and help them in our own small way in leading a respectable life. Their widows too need to be cared for as they are the ones who have sacrificed more by living separately and bringing up the family single-handedly. I am sure we can at least lend a helping hand to them also !

Website link: http://www.indianbravehearts.in

Phasebook link: https://www.facebook.com/IndianBravehearts

CSR for Nation Building: The HCL Grant Symposium, Chandigarh

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

You may already be aware that HCL Foundation is the CSR arm of HCL Technologies. During last two consecutive years it rolled out Edition 1 & 2 of one of the biggest CSR grants of India, called The HCL Grant. It is an annual series. The HCL Grant aims to strengthen THE FIFTH ESTATE – The NGOs - and thus contribute to nation-building.

HCL Foundation has announced the Edition 3 (2017-18) of the HCL Grant. Please refer the document below for details. The HCL Grant application portal is already live and open to receive proposals online, from NGOs at http://hclgrant.hcltech.com/ under Environment, Education and Health Categories for a Grant of INR 5 Cr each for a project for 5 years in rural development. The last date to receive applications is June 05th, 2017. You are advised to register now and start working on your application, should you be willing to apply.

Do please note that the Eligibility Criteria for Environment Category has been relaxed to an annual average budget of INR 50L p.a. and legal age of the NGO to 05 years. Please read the Eligibility Criteria. http://hclgrant.hcltech.com/#Apply. For any questions related to HCL Grant, please read FAQs on website. For any further queries, write to hclgrant@hcl.com

While the HCL Grant application portal is open, for NGOs to better understand the CSR law and the CSR Grants, HCL Foundation is conducting a series of pan India Symposiums: "CSR for Nation Building: The HCL Grant: Pan India Symposiums”in partnership with Shaktishi and local partners.

YUVSATTA CHANDIGARH is proud to host Symposium in Chandigarh on 2nd May, 2017 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm. It will be held at Chandigarh Press Club- Sector 27-B, near Amar Jain Hostel, Chandigarh.

Senior level CSR experts will address the participants during the symposium. You will also be able to clarify any doubts regarding the HCL Grant application process/proposal/methodology, from the representatives of HCL Foundation directly.

Tentative Agenda for the day is as follows

12:00 - 1:00 pm- Registration and Lunch

1:00 pm - 1.15 pm- Introduction by Local Partner- Yuvsatta

1.45 pm - 2.45 pm- Discussion: Sectoral gaps insights, opportunities and lesson learnt from guests on (Education, Health, Environment)

2.45 pm - 3:00 pm - Light Tea

3 pm - 4.30 pm - HCL Grant Presentation

4.30 pm - 5 pm - Q & A

5 pm - 5:10 pm - Vote of Thanks

Please confirm your attendance for the symposium to hclgrant@hcl.comwith cc to info@shaktishi.com along with the following information latest by 30th April, 2017. Kindly keep the Subject line same when replying.

1. Name of Organization

2. No. of Participants (maximum 2)

3. Contact details (mobile number)

Please note, there is no fee to attend this session.

We encourage you to share this mail with all your network of NGOs such that they can take advantage of this opportunity.

Warm regards

HCL Foundation

An award for a woman extraordinaire

President Pranab Mukherjee presenting the award to Bandari Jayamma as Naushad Forbes, President CII(left),Shobana Kamineni, President Designate look on

Orphaned at the age of 3, Jayamma’s poverty forced her out of school. Later, domestic violence pushed her into flesh trade. Undeterred, she fought against all odds to launch an NGO in Hyderabad with the help of some social activists

HYDERABAD, APRIL 28:

The name Bandari Jayamma might not ring a bell. This school dropout from Telangana took up the daunting task of providing education to children of sex workers nearly two decades ago.

She established Chaithanya Mahila Mandali (CMM), a non-governmental organisation focussed on empowerment of sex workers and their children.

CII award

Her tireless but low-profile contribution was recognised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Foundation by bestowing on her the Woman Exemplar Award. The award was presented to the unassuming, 39-year-old social worker by President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi today.

Jayamma is credited with directly impacting the lives of 4,428 women in sex work. Nearly a thousand of them are now engaged in alternative livelihoods. Orphaned at the tender age of 3, Jayamma’s poverty forced her out of school. Later, domestic violence pushed her into flesh trade.

Undeterred, she fought against all odds to launch the NGO in Hyderabad with the help of some social activists.

At the NGO, the emphasis is on teaching the children of sex workers life skills and putting them through formal education. The idea is to shield the vulnerable children from trafficking and violence.

Ray of hope

CMM gets the children of sex workers enrolled in government schools and monitors their progress closely. Jayamma also runs a home for 43 extremely vulnerable children to ensure their safety.

CMM has so far rescued 3,500 children from a wretched life,, CII said in a citation.

Jayamma works actively with women in sex work and connects them to childcare facilities, child protection schemes, skill training programmes and alternative livelihood projects.

Along with her, the CII Foundation also honoured Monika Majumdar of West Bengal and Kamal Kumbhar of Maharashtra, with the President giving away the awards.

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/an-award-for-a-woman-extraordinaire/article9672317.ece

Agape, 356 other NGOs in Telangana have no license

HYDERABAD: AGAPE, the orphanage that forced two of its HIV positive children clean a drain recently, does not have a license. What more! There are as many as 356 NGOs that have applied for license and only 50 have received the same.

Though the NGO failed to protect the inmates, the department of Women and Child Welfare is skeptical about shifting them as the NGO has been doing a fair job in providing them care.

On Friday, an emergency meeting was called by Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Rangareddy district to look into the case of AGAPE. Lynne Guhman, Voggu, founder and managing director of the orphanage that takes care of close to 230 HIV positive children, submitted in writing that such activities will never be repeated. “It is a serious violation. The written confirmation does not guarantee protection of the children. For that, an officer from the District Child Protection Unit will be present at all times,” informed V Padmavathi, CWC member, RR district. The CWC has ordered the NGO head to speed up the process of getting a license.

“They have been trying for a license since 2007 but due to various reasons, it has been stalled,” Padmavathi informed.

Meanwhile, orders have been given to relieve warden and supervisor from services.

Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/apr/29/agape-356-other-ngos-in-telangana-have-no-license-1599021.html

Government takes over British-era juvenile home

COIMBATORE: That given the chance and proper guidance, a convicted offender can make a mark in life has been proved over and over again by this unique home that was started by the British government in 1938. Many boys who have spent their days in the 'Observation Home' have gone on to occupy posts in the judiciary, police and other departments.

Taken over by the government this year, the institution has come a long way since it was started as 'Reception Home' in September 1938 at Lakshmi Mills junction in Coimbatore city by the British government. It was run by an NGO named Discharged Prisoners Aid Society, founded on June 1, 1921 to reform juvenile offenders and prisoners who have served their sentences.

Freedom fighter V O Chidambaram Pillai, scientist G D Naidu and many other stalwarts have been part of the NGO.

In 1983, the institution was renamed 'Observation Home'.

This was the only home in the state run by an NGO. The government took over after the NGO was not able to generate enough funds to maintain the home.

"Various vocational courses were conducted for the juvenile offenders to reform them," said C M Manickam, honorary secretary, Discharged Prisoners Aid Society.

"We brought experts to provide counselling to the inmates. Many boys have made it to the judiciary, police department and other departments. The home generated funds from its members and got donations from the public for the welfare of the juvenile offenders," said Na Manoharan, vice-president, Discharged Prisoners Aid Society.

After 2010, a few incidents were reported in the home and this prompted probation officials from the social defence department to request the state government to take over the home.

In April 2012, a 17-year-old boy attempted suicide in the home; in August 2012, another 17-year-old committed suicide; in November 2011, 16 boys assaulted the warden of the home and escaped. A murder was reported in May 2008.

The home functions on a 68-cent land on Avinashi Road that is estimated to be worth over 68 crore.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/government-takes-over-british-era-juvenile-home/articleshow/58428602.cms

Five Practical Ways for Government and Civil Society Partnership

On January 10 this year, the Supreme Court (SC) directed the Government of India (GoI) to audit 32 lakh+ NGOs in the country and submit a report on the same. On April 26, the SC requested the GoI to consider rigorously systematising the regulation of fund disbursal to NGOs in the country.

For a long time now, the relationship between the Indian government and the country's civil society organisations has been fraught with friction and conflict. PRIA ngo has been involved in conversations about the nature of this relationship for many years now, and the conversation is still very relevant.

We believe that the push should be towards a better framework within which the government and civil society can cooperate to address the socioeconomic needs of the country. The NITI Aayog held a consultation meeting on March 1 regarding the same, which PRIA President Rajesh Tandon was unable to attend. He did write in suggesting 5 ways of building a meaningful partnership, however. Here they are

Five Practical Ways for Government and Civil Society Partnership

The nature of the relationship between government and civil society continues to be of relevant concern in India. Contributions of civil society in addressing socio-economic issues is recognised; yet, there remains a perception that civil society is responsible for holding back the economic development of India. Can civil society and government work together? PRIA, over 35 years, has consistently supported government’s efforts to engage with civil society, and has advocated for a robust relationship of trust and mutual cooperation. In response to the discussion organised by Niti Aayog (on 1 March 2017) on strengthening partnerships between government and civil society, PRIA suggested 5 practical ways to Niti Aayog in which it can take this forward. It is hoped that this fresh initiative by Niti Aayog will not remain a mere ‘record of discussion’.

1. What is the USP of civil society?

Voluntary development organisations share with the government its vision of ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’. With this shared agenda, it is important to clarify what is unique about their contribution to the partnership. In respect of such organisations, the Planning Commission dialogue in 2002, chaired by then Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, agreed upon three distinctive contributions of such development organisations :

• Making weaker sections aware of their rights and entitlements in different programmes of the government – generating demand.
• Acting as a facilitative bridge between delivery machinery/officials and such excluded communities – last mile connectivity.
• Providing regular field-based feedback to district, state and national departments and ministries.

2. What are the instruments of this partnership?

The National Policy on Voluntary Organisations 2007 identified several practical instruments. At this juncture, there are no clear instruments of cooperation other than certain ‘funding’ schemes for performing small, occasional functions in a location for a given scheme. The criteria for selection are vague and the ‘providers’ database is confusing.

Each of the three contributions of voluntary organisations mentioned in the previous point requires different arrangements.

• Awareness generation and demand creation efforts should be seen as necessary for promoting the participation of weaker sections. A location- and focal community-specific (typically at district or city level) collaboration is most useful in this regard.
• The function of facilitation needs to be programme-focused, for which state-level collaboration may be the most appropriate.
• For an independent and regular feedback mechanism to work effectively, the NITI Aayog should take the initiative to develop such a partnership.

3. What does the the government bring to the partnership?

No meaningful partnership works until both parties clarify what they bring to the partnership and the government is no exception. The most crucial contribution of the government in respect of such a partnership is regular, authentic and updated information about policies, programmes, schemes, status of implementation, etc. There should be no need to use the Right to Information to get such information.

With modern digital technology, it is possible for the government to do so, especially vis a vis those policies and programmes involving partnerships with voluntary organisations.

4. Should the the government fund such partnerships?

Voluntary organisations need reliable funds to continue to perform their functions effectively. However, certain types of funding arrangements can be more productive than others in this partnership.

For awareness generation and demand mobilisation, the government must provide funds with clear and transparent criteria. The current procedure of tendering does not work to attract those with integrity and professionalism.

For facilitation, the government should create a jointly managed public fund for each major development programme. Medium term (3 years, say) contracting can be undertaken through this fund.

For independent feedback, the government should not fund, but should enable such organisations to be funded by private sources. NITI Aayog can create frameworks for this, and the government can acknowledge the contributions of such donors publicly.

5. How can the eco-system for partnership be improved?

Authentic understanding of voluntary organisations in the country is very inadequate. Multitudes of outdated laws and procedures have confounded the field. NITI Aayog must apply itself to the task of modernising and digitalising regulations and databases pertaining to the non-profit sector.

More importantly, public trust in the value of such partnerships needs to be inculcated and articulated. Political and official leaderships of national and state governments must publicly invite and acknowledge the value of such a partnership.

Source: http://pria.org/featuredstory-five-practical-ways-for-government-and-civil-society-partnership-44-94

11 countries where you're most likely to get a job in 2017

Companies across the globe are starting to ramp up their hiring after a year of political uncertainty and upheaval.

Over the last year, Britain voted to leave the European Union, Donald Trump became the new US President, and populism has been spreading across Europe. It has caused great uncertainty for companies and many have held off on expansion plans until now.

Brexit caused companies in London and Scotland to hire people at a much slower rate than other major cities around the world, for example.

But the tide is turning. According to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey released this month, companies from 39 of 43 countries surveyed said they anticipate increasing their headcounts, with the strongest hiring intentions coming out of Asia and Eastern Europe.

Business Insider decided to take a look at net employment outlooks for each country surveyed and run down which nations boasted the greatest anticipated growth in hiring.

Take a look at the top 11 countries with the most companies actively looking to expand their workforces:

T=9. New Zealand: +13%.The country tops many rankings for quality of life and has become a draw for families over recent years.

T=9. Guatemala: +13%. The country's economy is dominated by the private sector, which generates about 85% of GDP, and companies are looking at rapidly expanding headcount over the next quarter.

T=9. Bulgaria: +13%. The country has experienced rapid economic growth over the last few years and companies are now looking at expanding their workforces across various sectors such as professional services, as well as mining.RossHelen/Shutterstock

8. Hong Kong: +14%. The country may be one of the most expensive places to live in the world but it is a financial hub for Asia and seen as a gateway for financial services in mainland China.

7. Romania: +16%. The country is becoming a draw for companies looking to expand in Europe as cost of living is very low and wages are comparatively low and quality of living is meant to be ample.

T=5. United States: +17%. Now the US elections are over, companies in the US are looking to start rapidly hiring again.

T=5. Hungary: +17%. The country has one of the lowest cost of living in Europe and is also a place where the jobs market is buoyant.

4. India: +18%. The country is one of the fastest growing developing countries in the world and it is continuing to hire more staff across a range of sectors such as professional services and manufacturing.

3. Slovenia: +22%. While Western Europe employers are less confident about hiring intentions than the rest of the region, in Eastern Europe, companies are looking to expand in fields such as technology.

2. Japan: +23%. The country ranks as having on of the strongest levels of hiring confidence amongst businesses, thanks to its vibrant corporate culture in places such as Tokyo.

1. Taiwan: +24%. The Asian country is seen as one of the best places in the world for expats looking to grow their careers and is fast becoming a hub in the continent for tech and finance jobs.

Source: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/03/looking-for-a-job-these-are-the-countries-to-head-to?utm_content=buffer4c3b4&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service NGLS

Civil society & social entrepreneurs: Apply to attend the President of the United Nations General Assembly's High-Level SDG Action Event on Innovation and Connectivity.

Giant leaps in technological advances are converging to make the unthinkable possible. These advances are also raising questions on societal impact. Recognizing the need to support UN Member States and the UN System to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape, the President of the UN General Assembly, H.E. Peter Thomson, will convene a one-day SDG Action Event on Innovation and Connectivity. The Event will be held on 17 May 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York.

During the event, leading innovators from the major corporations of the world will interact with Member States on how emerging technologies can transform efforts aimed at the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.

At the request of the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA), the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) is facilitating a process to enable stakeholders to apply to attend the event as observers.

Apply to attend the event as an observer here: 
http://bit.ly/17-May-PGA-Innovation-Apply
DEADLINE: 9 May 2017

Please note that travel funding is not available for observers for this meeting.

More information about the event can be found here: http://www.un.org/…/event-l…/high-level-event-on-innovation/

How the home ministry is imperilling India’s health

The government is acting against national interest by hounding health advocacies.

It takes a special kind of person, endowed with skill and perseverance, to work with prickly government agencies in fields where governance is in a state of collapse and to hold close to his or her heart the interests of India and its people.

Two of those people are K Srinath Reddy and N Devadasan, both doctors who redirected their professional skills to set up health advocacies that work closely with government agencies in finding ways to end a hazard that costs India crores of rupees and millions of lives every year. Yet, Devadasan’s Institute of Public Health had its licence to receive foreign donations revoked in October and Reddy’s Public Health Foundation of India last week, both on fiddly grounds of regulatory compliance and disclosure. Foreign donations are important because Indians are notoriously reluctant to donate money to fuzzy issues like health, however important these might be to national wellbeing.

The issue that appears to have – unofficially – riled the government is anti-tobacco advocacy, and there is some truth to that, but the scale and pettiness of the action betrays the government’s larger ideological weaknesses, which now seem inimical to India’s national interests.

First, let us consider how hobbling anti-smoking campaigns cripples Indians.

If you want to kill yourself, there are few better ways to ensure success than to smoke. About a million Indians die from smoking-related causes every year – or about 114 every hour. “Tobacco use, and in particular smoking, is the largest cause of preventable death among adults in India,” observed a 2012 study in the journal Current Science. Smoking has strong associations to cardiovascular disease, cancer, tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. The health ministry reported in 2011 that Indians aged 35 to 69 spent Rs 1 lakh crore on smoking-related diseases, or about six times the amount the government received as tax from tobacco products the same year.

Anti-smoking campaigns and taxes appear no brainers, but India’s tobacco lobby clearly has an influence on government. Industry lobbying against pictorial warnings on bidi and cigarette packs was revealed when a parliamentary committee managed to stall an increase in the size of the warnings for a year to 2016. Cigarette smoking can be cut by 54% if excise is increased by 370% from present levels, and bidi use by 40% if excise is raised 100%, according to a Public Health Foundation of India policy brief. The government knows this: the Union health secretary is a member of the Public Health Foundation of India’s executive committee. The Institute of Public Health, a much smaller organisation, is the Karnataka government’s anti-tobacco implementing agency, working closely with a host of state departments.
Not in India’s interest

Since both organisations perform quasi-government functions, no tobacco lobby could be strong enough to hobble them so deeply as to set the home ministry – which revoked their foreign donation licences – against the health ministry. That action flows from a stronger lobby, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, whose economic affiliate, the Swadeshi Jagran Manch, has acknowledged efforts to rid India of one of its strongest global supporters in improving national health, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is one of the funding agencies of the Public Health Foundation of India. “We have met the Union health minister and raised the matter regarding funding of PHFI by BMGF,” Manch co-convenor Ashwini Mahajan told the Indian Express.

The Manch undoubtedly sees the Gates Foundation as an organisation working against Indian interests (it has alleged a nexus between the Gates Foundation and pharmaceutical majors and accused it of influencing health policy-making). It would like Indians to do the work the Gates Foundation does, but there is no Indian organisation currently capable of deploying such finances, expertise and long-term resolve. Unlike other non-governmental organisations that have been hounded, the Public Health Foundation of India and the Institute of Public Health are not even involved in helping victims of the 2002 Gujarat communal riots that left over 1,000 people dead, or those displaced by mining and factories – particular bugbears for this government.

Using the bogey of public or national interest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allowed his officials a free hand against non-governmental organisations inconvenient to the government’s policies and ideology, even if these help implement the state’s own laws, fill in for governance failures and assist the most vulnerable. In so doing, it is the government that is acting against national interest.

Source: https://scroll.in/article/835770/how-the-home-ministry-is-imperiling-indias-health

Regulate NGOs Subprime court of India

Regulate NGOs Subprime court of India

Regulating funds

I wish to draw a parallel between the role of political parties and that of non-governmental and religious organisations, now that the Supreme Court has suggested that the government frame a statutory law to regulate the flow of public money to NGOs (“SC seeks law to regulate NGO funds”, April 27). All NGOs and religious organisations work for some cause; similarly, political parties have an ideology. Just as there is a need to monitor the sources of funds for NGOs, the funds of parties should also be scrutinised. The government gives approval to NGOs and religious organisations after ensuring the legitimacy of the cause. At the time of registration, the government could provide a seed fund, open the NGO’s account in a chosen bank, and announce that the NGO is free to seek funds from anyone who wishes to support the cause. Funds would be routed only through this account. Can’t transparency be ensured this way? The Finance Minister recently said that he supports crowdfunding of parties. It is high time political parties, NGOs and religious organisations were made accountable.

R. Swarnalatha,

New Delhi

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/letters/no-grace-marks/article18261209.ece

SC asks Centre to make law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds

The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate disbursal of public funds to over 32 lakhs Non-Governmental and voluntary organisations and prosecute them in case of misuse or misappropriation.

A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar yesterday, referring to the Centre’s recent guidelines on regulating the NGOs and voluntary organisations said it may not truly systematise the entire process of regulating such NGOs.

The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul asked the Government to examine and consider giving statutory status to the entire process of registration, disbursal of funds, their use, audit and consequential proceedings in the event of defaults. It also asked the Centre to apprise its stand within eight weeks on making a law on it.

Favouring a fresh all-encompassing law, the court said if the government desires to extend statutory status to regulations, then they would not only provide for enforceable consequences, but also envisage civil and criminal action as may be considered by the legislation.

Source: http://theindianawaaz.com/sc-asks-centre-to-make-law-to-regulate-ngos-disbursal-of-funds/

Make a Law to Regulate Disbursal of Funds to NGOs: SC to Centre

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate disbursal of public funds to over 32 lakhs NGOs and voluntary organisations and prosecute them in case of misuse or misappropriation.

The apex court, referring to the Centre's recent guidelines on regulating NGOs and voluntary organisations, said they may not "truly systematise the entire process" of regulating such NGOs since their registration, disbursal of funds, their use, audit and consequential proceedings in the event of defaults.

A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar referred to an office memorandum (OM) of the Centre and said:

“The guidelines, which have been proposed by the government, may not truly systematise the entire process commencing from accredition (of NGOs) and encompassing the manner of utilisation of funds and then eventual audit. We would therefore like the Government of India to examine and consider giving statutory status to the entire process.”

Favouring a fresh all-encompassing law, it said if the government "desires to extend statutory status to regulations, then they would not only provide for enforceable consequences, but also envisage civil and criminal action as may be considered by the legislation".

The bench, however, made it clear that its order asking the Centre to consider enacting a law, will not be considered as "any restraint" in the way of ongoing civil and criminal actions against defaulting parties, pursued by the government body, Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART).

The CAPART apprised the top court that it has recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

The CAPART, which works under the Ministry of Rural Development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, also said initially it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.

Subsequently it had removed 15 NGOs from the black-list after they complied with the accounting norms, it said.

Lawyer P K Dey, appearing for the Centre, informed the court that the guidelines, before being put in force, have been sent to all 76 ministries and departments for their comments and suggestions.

The bench had also said that "mere blacklisting" of these organisations would not suffice and civil and criminal action should be initiated for misappropriation of public money received by them from various government departments.

“Huge amounts running into thousands of crores are doled out to these societies. There has been a case that many of them, after getting the grant, do not come back and they are merely blacklisted”, the amicus curiae had said.”

He said around Rs 9,000 crore has been disbursed to NGOs, societies, voluntary organisations from 2002-03 to 2008-09.

Source: https://www.thequint.com/india/2017/04/26/make-a-law-to-regulate-disbursal-of-funds-to-ngos-sc-to-centre

Rs 950 crore is given to NGOs every year... a phenomenal amount of Indian taxpayers' money': Supreme Court asks Centre to act against NGOs

· The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs

· Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs, averaging almost Rs 950 crore per year

Nearly 30 lakh NGOs across the country - most of which receive funds worth crores of rupees from the government and abroad - came under the Supreme Court's scrutiny on Tuesday.

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in case of misuse, misappropriation of funds or non-filing of annual statements.

This was after a CBI report filed in the Supreme Court said only 10 per cent of 30 lakh NGOs have filed annual income and expenditure statements.

Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs, averaging almost Rs 950 crore per year, according to information received through RTI queries by Asian Centre for Human Rights, amicus curiae (senior lawyer assisting the court) Rakesh Dwivedi said, quoting the report.

The Centre has been asked to file its response within eight weeks. A bench, headed by CJI JS Khehar, said the existing regulations were not sufficient to 'regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults'.

Earlier in the day, Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) said it had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

The CAPART which works under the ministry of rural development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said initially, it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.

Under fire from the SC for not doing enough to rein in NGOs and voluntary organisations not filing annual statements and indulging in other irregularities, the Centre drafted guidelines saying the errant NGOs will be blacklisted.

'A show-cause notice is to be issued to the NGO with a direction to take corrective action immediately in case of non-submission of utilisation certificate or where the ministry/department suspects a material irregularity, or misutilisation misappropriation or falsification. In case of continued noncompliance, the NGO or voluntary organisation will be blacklisted, said the guidelines.

Passing detailed orders on the PIL by Advocate ML Sharma in 2011 seeking a tab on functioning of NGOs, the bench said mere blacklisting of NGOs who do not file annual statements will not suffice but also action must be initiated like criminal proceedings for misappropriation and civil action for recovery of given funds

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahome/indianews/article-4449392/Supreme-Court-asks-Centre-act-against-NGOs.html

India gets first free condom store, courtesy global NGO to reduce HIV and other infections

India has the third-largest HIV epidemic in the world, with the UNAIDS Gap Report of 2016 saying 21 lakh — or 2.1 million — people live with the infection in the country.

India now has a free condom store, courtesy a global non-government organisation (NGO), through which other NGOs working in the field for reduction in HIV and AIDS infections can source condoms. The infection can not only be fatal with its own symptoms, but can also lead to depression and eventually suicide.

India has the third-largest HIV epidemic in the world, with the UNAIDS Gap Report of 2016 saying 21 lakh — or 2.1 million — people live with the infection in the country at the time of the report being compiled. Under these circumstances, a free condom store could be just what the doctor ordered for the sector.

The free condom store, started by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHC), is not a brick-and-mortar store. AHC Country Programme Director for India, Dr V Sam Prasad, explained to IBTimes India: "The store, which was opened on April 26, is actually an email address through which some NGOs working in related fields can avail of the service."

The condoms will be sent to NGOs working in the fild of HIV and AIDS infections among various communities — including homosexuals — as well as reproductive child health, Prasad said, adding: "The NGOs will have to send in an email request for the condoms, and we will deliver it to them in five working days."

The idea is to support these NGOs in trying to close the gap between supply and demand of condoms, Prasad told IBT. "Condoms play an important role in halting the spread of infections like HIV," he said.

AHC, he explained, has been working in the field of HIV and AIDS for years now, and has spread its sphere of influence to 39 countries. In India, it is headquartered in Delhi, but also works in Panvel in Navi Mumbai.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.in/india-gets-first-free-condom-store-courtesy-global-ngo-reduce-hiv-other-infections-724603

Fight against HIV/AIDS: India's first free condom store launched – This is how you can order from #FreeCondomStore

On its 10th anniversary, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched India's first 'Free Condom Store', under which individuals, NGOs, government, private institutions and community-based organisations can order as many condoms as they want.

New Delhi: In a bid to reduce the incidence of new cases of HIV/AIDS in India, a global non-government organisation (NGO) has launched a free condom store in the country.

On its 10th anniversary, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) launched India's first 'Free Condom Store', under which individuals, NGOs, government, private institutions and community-based organisations can order as many condoms as they want.

India currently has the third largest HIV epidemic in the world, with 2.1 million people living with the infection in the country, as per UNAIDS Gap Report 2016. In the same year, an estimated 68,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses although India's HIV epidemic is slowing down overall, with a 32% decline in new cases of infection (86,000 in 2015), and a 54% decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2007 and 2015.

Hence, the AHF's initiative is seen as a significant step towards reduction of new HIV infections in the country.

Under the campaign, individuals and organisations can place orders by phone or email without any hesitation of social taboos or quality issues to get a supply delivered to their doorstep.

Dr V Sam Prasad, AHF’s director for India said NGOs working in the field of HIV/AIDS can avail of the service, which was launched on April 26.

AHF which claimed the initiative was the first of its kind said that their main idea is to support the NGOs trying to close the gap between supply and demand of condoms.

The NGO has also released a video showing a guy going around in Delhi asking individuals and couples whether or not they indulge in safe sex practices and use condoms. Check the video to see how people reacted.

Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha passed the HIV/AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill earlier this month, ensuring equal rights to the people affected by HIV and AIDS in getting treatment, admissions in educational institutions and jobs.

The HIV/AIDS Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on March 21, 2017, 15 years after it was introduced in the legislature, which aims at safeguarding the rights of sufferers and protects them from discrimination.

To order from 'Free Condom Store', all you need to do is call toll-free number, 1800 102 8102 or drop an email to freecondomstoreahf@gmail.com.

Source: http://zeenews.india.com/health/fight-against-hiv/aids-indias-first-free-condom-store-launched-this-is-how-you-can-order-from-freecondomstore-2000187

SC asks Centre to make law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds

The Supreme Court asks the Centre to consider making a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds to them and consequential proceedings on account of defaults

SC says the existing regulations were not sufficient to regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider making a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds to them and consequential proceedings on account of defaults and asked it to respond in eight weeks.

A bench headed by chief justice J.S. Khehar said the existing regulations were not sufficient to regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults.

The bench, which also comprised Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and S.K. Kaul, granted eight weeks to the Centre to mull over the idea of legislation and apprise the court about its stand.

Earlier in the day, the government agency CAPART had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

The Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), which works under the Ministry of Rural Development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said initially it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.

Subsequently it had removed 15 NGOs from the black-list after they complied with the accounting norms, it said.

The Supreme Court had on 10 January said public money cannot go unaccounted for and those misappropriating must be prosecuted.

Taking umbrage to the fact that no steps have been taken to evolve a regulatory mechanism even after the lapse of six years since a PIL was filed, the apex court had said the Centre and its departments were doling out crores of rupees to lakhs of NGOs, societies and voluntary organisations but were not aware of the repercussion of non-auditing.

The bench had also warned that “mere blacklisting” of these organisations would not suffice and civil and criminal action should be initiated by CAPART/other government departments for misappropriating public money received by them from various government departments.

CBI had in September 2015 informed the apex court that less than ten per cent of over 30 lakh NGOs functioning across the country had submitted their returns or balance sheets and other financial details to the authorities.

The apex court had expanded the scope of the PIL, filed in 2011 against Hind Swaraj Trust, run by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare. The PIL had sought a probe into alleged embezzlement of funds.

Source: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/f6oRMGNANzUIlBFOhk5LZI/SC-asks-Centre-to-make-law-to-regulate-NGOs-disbursal-of-fu.html

State Coordinator- Capacity Building

International Development Agency
Patna, Bihar, India

Job description

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:

Our client is a respected, International Development Agency that works across the globe to promote children's survival, protection and development.

For Project Background details, please visit http://www.sams.co.in/JD-SC-CB-IDA.html

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT:

The purpose of the assignment is to assist GoB in capacity building & roll out of MGPNY: improvement in rural drinking water service delivery at scale with quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the technical guidance of the WASH Specialist & WASH Officer of the International Development Agency, Bihar, the State Coordinator would provide support in building the capacity of the PRIs towards – conducting all their functions, e.g. planning, financial management and implementation of schemes, with improved service delivery at scale with quality.

Key Job Responsibilities:

(1) Provide technical assistance to roll out of Strategy on PRI led O&M of rural water supplies in the state: Guidelines for community participation in O&M of Rural Water Supply Schemes, as per agreed strategy;
(2) Developing the strategy for scaling up improved water supply in rural habitations, with emphasis on Mahadalit communities and marginalized communities;
(3) Coordinate with agencies for roll out and hand holding support to PR institutions for improved RWS service delivery;
(4) Facilitate in adoption of MGPNY: improvement in rural drinking water service delivery at scale with quality;
(5) Provide technical assistance in evolution of different sustainable models for implementation of community based water supply schemes and their sustained maintenance;
(6) Prepare evidence based quarterly analytical reports for PRI Department to address the critical issues and areas of support from the State headquarter and mitigation (including risk reduction) actions with respect to RWS service delivery;
(7) Undertake visits to the districts and review functioning of the RWS schemes and provide quarterly updates on the same to PRI Department and the organization for necessary follow-ups;
(8) Participate in various RWS training programmes at different level as the coordinator and resource person.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualification:
Applicants must be Post graduate in Public Health Engineering.

Experience:
(1) Minimum eight years of experience in water supply sector including working with government structures;
(2) Atleast five years of experience in planning, designing, implementation and monitoring of public water supply schemes, preferably with community based approaches;
(3) Experience in decentralised governance, capacity building of PRIs for taking over planning, implementation and O&M of RWSS, with aim for achieving SGDs on water and consumer oriented improved public service delivery of safe water;
(4) Experience in conceptualisation, developing guidelines for rural water supplies involving communities would be an asset;
(5) Previous work experience in Bihar and neighboring states would be an asset.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Excellent understanding of national/ state programmes policies and operating environment for implementation of national flagship programme NRDWP;
(2) Strong research and analytical skills including consultations;
(3) Good knowledge of computers and its operations. Proficiency in using MS-office and its application would be essential;
(4) Knowledge of English is essential, working knowledge of Hindi would be an added advantage.

NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The SC-CB shall be hired on a consultancy contract through Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd. (SAMS), a respected HR Agency.

PROFESSIONAL FEES:

Gross annual remuneration budgeted for the position is attractive. The offer made to the selected candidate shall be commensurate with qualifications, experience and salary history.

LOCATION: Patna, Bihar

DURATION:

The consultancy assignment will be effective from the date of joining till December 31, 2017.

REFERENCE: SC-CB

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 2684 2162; 4165 3612
Email: sc-cb@sams.co.in

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to apply to sc-cb@sams.co.in with a cover letter, discussing their interest in and suitability for the position, along with an updated resume, giving details of three references, current cost to organization and expected compensation, by April 30, 2017. For further details, please visit www.sams.co.in .

Supreme Court suggests enacting a law to regulate NGOs, their funding using public money

The bench noted that the guidelines submitted by the Centre may not be ‘systematic’ enough to deal with the process of accreditation, funding and audit.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday recommended that the Centre enact a law to regulate the funding of NGOs with public money and penalise them for fraudulent activities. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice JS Khehar has given the Centre eight weeks to respond to which of the two it would prefer – regulating NGOs by finalising guidelines or through legislative measures, The Indian Express reported.

The bench pointed out that the Centre’s guidelines may not be “truly systematic” and sufficient to deal with the entire process of accreditation, the way manner public money is used to fund NGOs and their audit. Guidelines submitted by the government earlier included appointing Niti Aayog as the nodal body to register such organisations.

The instructions – framed by the Rural Development Ministry submitted to the top court on April 4 – also detailed the process to execute bonds, blacklist NGOs, cut off their grants, recover money through civil lawsuits and take criminal action in cases where funds were swindled. The court, however, noted that Niti Aayog could be preoccupied with a number of other important tasks.

Moreover, the court said that the ministry’s Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology could take civil and criminal action against the 703 NGOs that had been flagged for defaulting. Capart had also recommended registering 159 FIRs against a number of NGOs for misappropriation of government funds, according to The Hindu.

The funding of NGOs, especially through the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, has been in the news as the Centre has been cancelling the licences of thousands of NGOs for allegedly violating provisions of the law. NGOs and activists, however, have deemed the step a means to suppress dissenting voices. On March 9, the United States had said that foreign NGOs face challenges in India, after global children’s aid organisation Compassion International was made to shut down its operations in the country.

Source: https://scroll.in/bulletins/59/want-to-retire-at-45-make-your-money-work-for-you

Supreme Court to Centre: Make a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in case of misuse, misappropriation of funds or non-filing of annual statements.

HIGHLIGHTS

· 1

Nearly 30 lakh NGOs across the country came under the Supreme Court's scrutiny on Tuesday.

· 2

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs

· 3

Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs.

Nearly 30 lakh NGOs across the country - most of which receive funds worth crores of rupees from the government and abroad - came under the Supreme Court's scrutiny on Tuesday.

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in case of misuse, misappropriation of funds or non-filing of annual statements.

This was after a CBI report filed in the Supreme Court said only 10 per cent of 30 lakh NGOs have filed annual income and expenditure statements.

Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs, averaging almost Rs 950 crore per year, according to information received through RTI queries by Asian Centre for Human Rights, amicus curiae (senior lawyer assisting the court) Rakesh Dwivedi said, quoting the report. The Centre has been asked to file its response within eight weeks.

NEED OF MORE REGULATION

A bench, headed by CJI JS Khehar, said the existing regulations were not sufficient to "regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults".

Earlier in the day, Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) said it had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them. The CAPART which works under the ministry of rural development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said initially, it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.SHOW CAUSE NOTICE

Under fire from the SC for not doing enough to rein in NGOs and voluntary organisations not filing annual statements and indulging in other irregularities, the Centre drafted guidelines saying the errant NGOs will be blacklisted.

"A show-cause notice is to be issued to the NGO with a direction to take corrective action immediately in case of non-submission of utilisation certificate or where the ministry/department suspects a material irregularity, or misutilisation misappropriation or falsification. In case of continued noncompliance, the NGO or voluntary organisation will be blacklisted, said the guidelines.

Passing detailed orders on the PIL by Advocate ML Sharma in 2011 seeking a tab on functioning of NGOs, the bench said mere blacklisting of NGOs who do not file annual statements will not suffice but also action must be initiated like criminal proceedings for misappropriation and civil action for recovery of given funds.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-ngos-regulation-centre/1/939415.html

Make a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds: Supreme Court to Centre

HIGHLIGHTS

· Existing regulations were not sufficient to regulate the NGOs across the country, court observed

· Earlier, CAPART said it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details

· NGOs have become a den of corruption, an easy way to get grant, avoid or evade tax and launder money. SC directive will go a long way in curbing corruption and financial irregularities.


NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider making a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds to them and consequential proceedings on account of defaults and asked it to respond in eight weeks.

A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said the existing regulations were not sufficient to regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults.

The bench, which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, granted eight weeks to the Centre to mull over the idea of legislation and apprise the court about its stand.

Earlier in the day, the government agency CAPART had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

The Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), which works under the Ministry of Rural Development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said initially it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.

Subsequently it had removed 15 NGOs from the black-list after they complied with the accounting norms, it said.

The Supreme Court had on January 10 said public money cannot go unaccounted for and those misappropriating must be prosecuted.

Taking umbrage to the fact that no steps have been taken to evolve a regulatory mechanism even after the lapse of six years since a PIL was filed, the apex court had said the Centre and its departments were doling out crores of rupees to lakhs of NGOs, societies and voluntary organisations but were not aware of the repercussion of non-auditing.

The bench had also warned that "mere blacklisting" of these organisations would not suffice and civil and criminal action should be initiated by CAPART/other government departments for misappropriating public money received by them from various government departments.


CBI had in September 2015 informed the apex court that less than ten per cent of over 30 lakh NGOs functioning across the country had submitted their returns or balance sheets and other financial details to the authorities.


The apex court had expanded the scope of the PIL, filed in 2011 against Hind Swaraj Trust, run by anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare. The PIL had sought a probe into alleged embezzlement of funds.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/make-a-law-to-regulate-ngos-disbursal-of-funds-supreme-court-to-centre/articleshow/58378256.cms

SC seeks law to regulate NGO funds

The Centre has submitted new guidelines for accreditation of nearly 30 lakh NGOs and voluntary organisation in the country.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday suggested that the government ought to frame a statutory law to regulate the flow of public money to the NGOs even as Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) recommended the registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for swindling government funds.

A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar suggested introducing a law after perusing guidelines handed over by the government to the court, appointing NITI Aayog as the nodal agency for NGO registration.

But the court said the guidelines might not prove sufficient for “systematising the entire process of accreditation, fund utilisation and audit of NGOs”.

The Centre on April 4 handed over to the Supreme Court the new guidelines framed for accreditation of nearly 30 lakh NGOs and voluntary organisation in the country.

The Union Rural Development Ministry had framed the accreditation guidelines to regulate the “manner in which the VOs/NGOs, which are recipient of grants, would maintain their account, the procedure for audit of the account, including procedure to initiate action for recovering of the grants in case of misappropriation and criminal action”.

Black list

The court, however, gave the government the liberty to start civil and criminal proceedings against 703 NGOs, which according to CAPART, have defaulted. The agency, which works under the Rural Development Ministry, said 718 NGOs had been initially blacklisted, but 15 had responded satisfactorily to notices issued on them.

CBI records filed in 2016 in the Supreme Court had shown show that only 2,90,787 NGOs file annual financial statements of a total of 29,99,623 registered ones under the Societies Registration Act.

In some States, the CBI said the laws do not even provide for the NGOs to be transparent about their financial dealings. In the Union Territories, of a total of 82,250 NGOs registered and functioning, only 50 file their returns.

New Delhi has the highest number of registered NGOs among the Union Territories at 76,566. But none of these organisations submit returns, the CBI chart showed. In Kerala, which has 3,69,137 NGOs, there is no legal provision to submit returns. The same is the case for Punjab with 84,752 and Rajasthan with 1.3 lakh NGOs.

Uttar Pradesh, which has the highest number of NGOs at 5.48 lakh among 26 States, has only about 1.19 lakh filing returns. Tamil Nadu has about 1.55 lakh NGOs registered, however, only 20,277 file returns. Andhra Pradesh has 2.92 lakh NGOs, but only 186 file financial statements annually. West Bengal has 2.34 lakh registered NGOs, of which only 17,089 active NGOs file annual returns.

The Supreme Court had expanded the scope of Mr. Sharma’s PIL petition alleging misuse of funds by Anna Hazare’s NGO Hind Swaraj Trust to include the status of all NGOs.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-seeks-law-to-regulate-ngo-funds/article18219163.ece

India's top court asks government to consider making law to regulate NGOs

The Supreme Court asked the government to apprise it within eight weeks whether it is intended to continue with the present guidelines for NGOs or regulate NGOs through legislation.


India's top court, the Supreme Court of India, on Wednesday asked the government to consider making law to regulate NGOs as well as the funds given to them, saying that existing guidelines are not sufficient.

Observing that the present guidelines may not be systematic enough, the top court advised the government to give statutory status to the process of registration, accreditation and funding of NGOs.

The top court, which was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), asked the Centre to apprise it within eight weeks whether it intended to continue with the present guidelines or would likely to regulate the NGO through legislation.

Earlier Wednesday, the Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), told the court it had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

CAPART, which disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said it had initially blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.

On January 10, the Supreme Court had said public money cannot go unaccounted for and those misappropriating must be prosecuted.

The court reprimanded the government for doling out crores of rupees to lakhs of NGOs, societies and voluntary organisations without being aware of the repercussion of non-auditing.

The bench had also warned that "mere blacklisting" of these organisations would not suffice and civil and criminal action should be initiated by CAPART/other government departments for misappropriating public money received by them from various government departments.

In September 2015, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the apex court that less than 10 per cent of over 30 lakh NGOs functioning across the country had submitted their returns or balance sheets and other financial details.


Source: https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-top-court-asks-government-to-consider-making-law-to-regulate-ngos-14957

Enact law to regulate NGOs, SC tells govt

According to the draft, all NGOs/VOs are expected to register themselves on the NITI Aayog website, with NGO Darpan acting as a nodal agency

Months after ordering audits, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to explore enacting a law to regulate the government funds disbursed to the NGOs and prosecution in cases of misuse and misappropriation of funds, and non-filing of annual statements.

Expressing its unhappiness over the current regulations, the SC observed that the existing ones were insufficient to monitor lakhs of NGOs across the country.

"We get to know that Rs 950 crore is being given in total to all NGOs every year. This is a phenomenal amount... tax payers' money. Since 78 ministries and departments were granting money to NGOs, a law on regulating funds and work by NGOs would be much better. Inform us in eight weeks whether you want to streamline NGOs through guidelines or through legislation," a bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar told the government.

During the course of the hearing, the Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), a government agency under the aegis of the Ministry of Rural Development, said it had initially blacklisted 718 NGOs for not submitting accounting details. It had also recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

On April 5, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted these guidelines in court and on direction from a bench, a copy which was given to Amicus Curiae Rakesh Dwivedi.

Apart from Dwivedi, all states and Union Territories have also been invited to pursue these guideline and give suggestions accordingly.

The order for the guidelines came on the heels of a petition filed by advocate ML Sharma, who submitted that NGOs should be regulated.

According to the draft, all NGOs/VOs are expected to register themselves on the NITI Aayog website, with NGO Darpan acting as a nodal agency. All requests for registration, accreditation and funds from the Union will be done through here.

Upon registration, each NGO will be provided a unique ID. The organisations would be subjected to the laws under Income Tax Act and the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act. The NGOs will be monitored and their past track record will be taken into account before any accreditation is granted. In the event no work is done, they money granted for that specific purpose will be refunded along with a 10 per cent interest. If funds are misappropriated, criminal investigations against key officials associated would be initiated and the NGO blacklisted.

The database would be maintained by NITI Aayog and information of the NGOs would be available on the website.

In its previous order, the SC had also directed a financial audit of all NGOs/VOs by March 31, 2017 to bring accountability in the public money disbursed to these NGOs. During the previous hearing, Dwivedi had cited a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report which said there are more than 20 lakh NGOs receive funding from the Centre. However, only 10 per cent of them filed annual income and expenditure statements.

· The NGO-Partnership System (NGO-PS) Portal (NGO-DARPAN) maintained by the NITI Aayog invites all voluntary organisations, NGOs to sign up on the portal.

· VOs/NGOs get a system generated Unique ID, as and when they sign up.

· The Unique ID is mandatory to apply for grants under various governmental schemes.

· The portal facilitates creation of a repository of information about VOs/NGOs.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-enact-law-to-regulate-ngos-sc-tells-govt-2417550

Govt grants Rs 950 crore to NGOs, account it says SC The court also asked the Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in cases of misuse or misappropriation of funds.

For the first time we have realised the phenomenal amount of money the government is giving to the Non-Governmental Organisations, the Supreme Court said on Wednesday. It was brought to the SC's light that the government gives NGOs Rs 950 crore every year.
The SC also asked the government to inform it within eight weeks whether it wants to streamline the NGOs through guidelines or a legislation. It is taxpayers' money and the NGOs and voluntary organisations must be held accountable for the same, the SC also observed. The SC also asked the government to inform it within eight weeks whether it wants to streamline the NGOs through guidelines or a legislation.
The SC said that since 78 ministries and departments were granting money to NGOs, a law on regulating funds and work by the NGOs would be much better. The court also asked the Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in cases of misuse or misappropriation of funds. OneIndia News

Source: http://www.oneindia.com/india/govt-grants-rs-950-crore-to-ngos-account-it-says-sc-2417205.html

Supreme Court to Centre: Make a law to regulate NGOs, disbursal of funds

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in case of misuse, misappropriation of funds or non-filing of annual statements.

HIGHLIGHTS

· 1

Nearly 30 lakh NGOs across the country came under the Supreme Court's scrutiny on Tuesday.

· 2

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs

· 3

Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs.

Nearly 30 lakh NGOs across the country - most of which receive funds worth crores of rupees from the government and abroad - came under the Supreme Court's scrutiny on Tuesday.

The apex court asked Centre to examine enacting a law to regulate government funds for NGOs and prosecute them in case of misuse, misappropriation of funds or non-filing of annual statements.

This was after a CBI report filed in the Supreme Court said only 10 per cent of 30 lakh NGOs have filed annual income and expenditure statements.

Between 2002 and 2009, the Union and state governments released Rs 6,654 crore to various NGOs, averaging almost Rs 950 crore per year, according to information received through RTI queries by Asian Centre for Human Rights, amicus curiae (senior lawyer assisting the court) Rakesh Dwivedi said, quoting the report. The Centre has been asked to file its response within eight weeks.

NEED OF MORE REGULATION

A bench, headed by CJI JS Khehar, said the existing regulations were not sufficient to "regulate the NGOs across the country, the disbursal of funds and consequential defaults".

Earlier in the day, Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) said it had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them. The CAPART which works under the ministry of rural development and disburses funds to voluntary organisations working in rural areas, said initially, it had blacklisted 718 NGOs for not following the due process and not submitting their accounting details.SHOW CAUSE NOTICE

Under fire from the SC for not doing enough to rein in NGOs and voluntary organisations not filing annual statements and indulging in other irregularities, the Centre drafted guidelines saying the errant NGOs will be blacklisted.

"A show-cause notice is to be issued to the NGO with a direction to take corrective action immediately in case of non-submission of utilisation certificate or where the ministry/department suspects a material irregularity, or misutilisation misappropriation or falsification. In case of continued noncompliance, the NGO or voluntary organisation will be blacklisted, said the guidelines.

Passing detailed orders on the PIL by Advocate ML Sharma in 2011 seeking a tab on functioning of NGOs, the bench said mere blacklisting of NGOs who do not file annual statements will not suffice but also action must be initiated like criminal proceedings for misappropriation and civil action for recovery of given funds.

Source: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/supreme-court-ngos-regulation-centre/1/939415.html

Explore law for NGOs’ fund usage: SC to Centre

HIGHLIGHTS

· NGOs and voluntary organisations must give audited accounts of utilisation of central funds, SC said

· After all, it is taxpayers' money, the bench said

· Now NGO's will claim victim hood. Call gov dictatorial. Sickulars won't be happy .

NEW DELHI: Determined to fix accountability for lakhs of NGOs that received government grants of more than Rs 6,600 crore between 2002 and 2009, the Supreme Court asked the Centre on Wednesday to explore the desirability of a new law to regulate fund utilisation by the bodies.

"Whatever be the method, we are clear that NGOs and voluntary organisations must give audited accounts of utilisation of funds received from governments. After all, it is taxpayers' money," a bench of Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul said.

Pursuant to the SC's January 10 order to audit the accounts of all 35 lakh NGOs, of which less than 10% file their audited accounts regularly, the government had framed guidelines requiring NGOs and voluntary organisations to register with Niti Aayogfor accreditation to receive public funds.

The guidelines also proposed that NGOs must furnish a bond equivalent to the grant given to them, which would be encashed by the government if funds were misused or misappropriated.

On Wednesday, the bench saw merit in the suggestion of amicus curiae Rakesh Dwivedi, who said it would be better to provide a statutory framework to regulate funding of NGOs and their audit rather than administrative guidelines as proposed by the Centre.

Surprisingly, for such an important matter, not a single law officer from the Centre was present during the hearing that lasted for more than two hours.


"The Centre's counsel, P K Dey, will obtain instruction and inform the court whether the government of India would like to regulate the issue by finalising the guidelines or would like to regulate it through legislative measures," the bench said, giving the government eight weeks.

The bench asked the government not to relent and tell NGOs to account for the funds they had received for years. "Needless to mention that this order should not be treated as any restraint on the ongoing consideration of civil and criminal action against defaulting parties as contained in the affidavit filed by Capart," it said.

The government's proposal to require each NGO/VO to register with Niti Aayog did not impress the court, which said the aayog should be left to deal with important policy matters.


It also did not favour bringing NGOs under the lokpal or lokayukta and said if that was done then these two bodies would not be able to focus on corruption by persons in high positions. More than three years ago, the SC had asked CBI to undertake the NGO fund monitoring exercise on a PIL filed by advocate M L Sharma, who had accused Anna Hazare's NGO of misappropriating funds allotted by Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (Capart).

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/explore-law-for-ngos-fund-usage-sc-to-centre/articleshow/58389526.cms

Enact a law to regulate NGOs, Supreme Court tells Centre

The NGOs will only be granted accreditation after evaluating their internal governance and ethical standards.

New Delhi: Observing that a strict statutory framework is necessary to regulate government funding to NGOs, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider enacting a law to ensure regulation and accountability of over 30 lakh NGOs.

A three-judge bench of Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul told the counsel for the Centre that the existing regulations were not sufficient to regulate the NGOs across the country not only for effective disbursal of funds but also to take action for non-compliance of law.

In a brief order, the bench said, “The petition relates to money given to NGOs but there is no law to regulate them. The guidelines proposed by the Centre are not enough. We would like the govt to consider and examine in eight weeks the desirability of giving statutory status to the entire process.”

The CJI pointed out that each year, government departments disburse funds to the tune of `950crore to the NGOs and this has been going on for years. There seems to be no assessment of what happens to these funds — whether they are properly being utilised or not. Since this is government money, we want to know how many NGOs have been blacklisted and how many NGOs have been prosecuted. If the guidelines suggested by the government is given statutory status it will have some effect.”

Amicus curiae Rakesh Diwedi informed the court that during 2002 to 2009, the Centre through Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (Capart) had disbursed Rs 4,756 crore to the NGOs and voluntary organisations. During the same period, states had given Rs 1,897 crore to NGOs. And, on an average Rs 950 crore are given to NGOs by the Centre and states each year. He said recommendations have been made for de-listing 15 voluntary organisations and criminal prosecution have been initiated against 159 voluntary organisations for defaults or misappropriation.

In the guidelines, the Centre said it has proposed stringent guidelines for the NGOs, requiring them to register afresh online with Niti Aayog. They will be provided a unique ID and subjected to the Income Tax Act and Foreign Contribution Regulations act. The NGOs must give details of the audited account, I-T returns, area of operation and names of key personnel, the guidelines says.

The NGOs will only be granted accreditation after evaluating their internal governance and ethical standards. The past record of the NGOs too will be put under scrutiny before accreditation. The accredited NGOs will be subject to three-tier scrutiny to evaluate the funds utilised.

The scrutiny would also include the quality of work, the guidelines also state the NGOs and VOs getting govt funds are required to execute a bond to refund the amount with 10% interest if work not done. Misappropriation of funds would warrant registration of criminal case against NGOs/VOs and signatories will be jointly and severally responsible to refund the amount.

If the government is not satisfiecd with the progress of the projects or considers that the guidelines have been vioalted, it reserves the right to termiante the grant in aid with immediate effect. The grant will be blacklisted if it was found that funds were received by suppressing facts and giving misleading information.

While Haryana had more than one lakh (1,00,611) NGOs, Punjab accounted for 84,752 such organisations. CBI has filed the report in response to an apex court order asking the agency to conduct a survey on the total number of NGOs in the country and go into their functioning to ascertain their financial irregularities. The states that had more than one lakh NGOs were Maharashtra (5.18), Uttar Pradesh (5.48), Kerala (3.69), West Bengal (2.34), Tamil Nadu (1.55), Andhra Pradesh (2.92) and Madhya Pradesh (1.36).

Source: http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/270417/enact-a-law-to-regulate-ngos-supreme-court-tells-centre.html

SC calls for statutory regime to regulate NGOs, state funding

New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider putting in place a statutory regime to regulate the registration, funding, compliance and audit of the NGOs getting state support.

A bench of Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul asked the government to consider giving a statutory status to the entire process.

This legal regime might also envisage the civil and criminal action against the defaulting NGOs as deemed fit by the legislature.

Observing that the existing guidelines were not systematic, the court in its order also asked the Centre to tell whether it would opt for a statutory regime or continue with the present guidelines.

The apex court gave the Centre eight weeks' time to tell the court its stand.

However, it also made it clear that its order would not come in the way of any ongoing proceedings, including civil and criminal action against the NGOs.

The court order came on a PIL seeking to make NGOs accountable for the expenditure of the funds received from the government.

Source: http://www.moneylife.in/article/sc-calls-for-statutory-regime-to-regulate-ngos-state-funding/50369.html

Consider making law to regulate NGOs: SC to Centre

The court was of the view that guidelines prepared by the government may not be “truly systematic” and sufficient with regard to the entire process of accreditation and the manner of utilisation of funds and audit of the NGOs.

Stating that existing regulations were not enough, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to consider enacting a law to regulate NGOs and penalise them for swindling funds.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar sought a reply in eight weeks on “whether the government would like to regulate the issues in hand by finalising guidelines or would rather regulate the NGOs through legislative measures”.

The bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, added: “If the government desires to extend statutory status to the entire process, the requirement of the statute would not only formulate for future consequences but would also envisage civil and criminal actions, as may be considered appropriate by the legislature.”

The court was of the view that guidelines prepared by the government may not be “truly systematic” and sufficient with regard to the entire process of accreditation and the manner of utilisation of funds and audit of the NGOs.

The government had earlier submitted its guidelines, saying it appointed NITI Aayog as nodal agency for registration of NGOs. The guidelines included the procedure for execution of bond, termination of grant-in-aid, blacklisting of NGOs, recovery of the money by civil suit and subsequent criminal action in case of diversion or misappropriation of funds, among others.

The court, however, said the NITI Aayog could already be preoccupied with several other important works.

It also made it clear that its order would not be considered as restraint on the government from initiating civil and criminal actions against as many as 703 NGOs which the Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) under the Ministry of Rural Development has identified as defaulting.

In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL by Delhi lawyer M L Sharma, CAPART said it had recommended registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for alleged misappropriation or misuse of funds disbursed to them.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/consider-making-law-to-regulate-ngos-supreme-court-to-centre-4629684/

SC seeks law to regulate NGO funds

The Centre has submitted new guidelines for accreditation of nearly 30 lakh NGOs and voluntary organisation in the country.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday suggested that the government ought to frame a statutory law to regulate the flow of public money to the NGOs even as Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) recommended the registration of 159 FIRs against various NGOs for swindling government funds.

A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar suggested introducing a law after perusing guidelines handed over by the government to the court, appointing NITI Aayog as the nodal agency for NGO registration.

But the court said the guidelines might not prove sufficient for “systematising the entire process of accreditation, fund utilisation and audit of NGOs”.

The Centre on April 4 handed over to the Supreme Court the new guidelines framed for accreditation of nearly 30 lakh NGOs and voluntary organisation in the country.

The Union Rural Development Ministry had framed the accreditation guidelines to regulate the “manner in which the VOs/NGOs, which are recipient of grants, would maintain their account, the procedure for audit of the account, including procedure to initiate action for recovering of the grants in case of misappropriation and criminal action”.

Black list

The court, however, gave the government the liberty to start civil and criminal proceedings against 703 NGOs, which according to CAPART, have defaulted. The agency, which works under the Rural Development Ministry, said 718 NGOs had been initially blacklisted, but 15 had responded satisfactorily to notices issued on them.

CBI records filed in 2016 in the Supreme Court had shown show that only 2,90,787 NGOs file annual financial statements of a total of 29,99,623 registered ones under the Societies Registration Act.

In some States, the CBI said the laws do not even provide for the NGOs to be transparent about their financial dealings. In the Union Territories, of a total of 82,250 NGOs registered and functioning, only 50 file their returns.

New Delhi has the highest number of registered NGOs among the Union Territories at 76,566. But none of these organisations submit returns, the CBI chart showed. In Kerala, which has 3,69,137 NGOs, there is no legal provision to submit returns. The same is the case for Punjab with 84,752 and Rajasthan with 1.3 lakh NGOs.

Uttar Pradesh, which has the highest number of NGOs at 5.48 lakh among 26 States, has only about 1.19 lakh filing returns. Tamil Nadu has about 1.55 lakh NGOs registered, however, only 20,277 file returns. Andhra Pradesh has 2.92 lakh NGOs, but only 186 file financial statements annually. West Bengal has 2.34 lakh registered NGOs, of which only 17,089 active NGOs file annual returns.

The Supreme Court had expanded the scope of Mr. Sharma’s PIL petition alleging misuse of funds by Anna Hazare’s NGO Hind Swaraj Trust to include the status of all NGOs.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-seeks-law-to-regulate-ngo-funds/article18219163.ece