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20th-21st January, 2010 : Asian Regional Meeting in Bangkok

STRENGTHENING LINKAGES WITH CIVIL SOCIETY PLATFORMS IN ASIA
Voluntary Action Network India (VANI), the national platform of Indian civil society organizations has been making efforts to begin a process of working with national platforms in the Asian region on non-governmental global diplomacy. In developing this association, VANI involved several national platforms in Asia in various meetings in such as World Trade Organisation (prior to WTO Ministerial), legislation and there effect on civil society organisations in Asian countries, etc. to develop common understanding/positions on international development and non-government diplomacy.

Following the initiatives of association, a formal meeting of various national platforms in the Asian region was held in Bangkok in 2008, which was attended by 10 Asian National Platform representatives and it was decided to formally begin the process of establishing an Asian Coalition. It has been a constant effort of VANI to develop linkages among the Asian (National Platform) members and linkages with other regional coalitions, working on non-governmental diplomatic advocacy on issues of interest to the region and sit at one platform to discuss and develop a process of having a formal structure for decision making and taking forward the work of the coalition in the region. To take this initiative forward, VANI in association with Coordination SUD, its equivalent in France, organised a two-day meeting of the members/prospective members of Asian Coalition on 20th & 21st January 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. The aim was to work in cooperation with other national platforms of their region with the objective to initiate and/or strengthen the process of developing a regional coalition that will serve as genuine civil society voices on issues relevant to their respective regions, to develop linkages among the Asian (National Platform) members working on non‐governmental diplomatic advocacy on issues of interest to the region, to sit at one platform to discuss and develop a process of having a formal structure for decision making and to take forward the work of the coalition in the region.

18th January, 2010 : State Level Meeting in Ahmedabad

VANI in collaboration with Sajjata Sangh, Janvikas, EDI and UNNATI organised a one day consultation on 18th January 2010. The main aim of the discussion was to understand the various aspects of the National policy on the Voluntary sector and its translation at the Gujarat State Level on similar lines, along with sharing the implications of the draft direct tax code on the Voluntary Sector. The Meeting was attended by around 45 CSOs from Gujarat and around 57 participants.

The discussions in the first half of day focused on drafting of the state policy as for what would be the issues that need to be highlighted in it keeping in mind the current framework of the policy. The group formed a Drafting Committee comprising of Shri. Binoy Acharya, Ms. Nafisa Barot, Mr. Hanif Lakdawala and Mr. Rajesh Kapoor as the Convener. The drafting committee has planned to prepare the first draft by first week of March and share it with rest of group for suggestions followed by a small consultation of the main group along with some other stakeholders in the second week of March.

The second half of the meeting had a discussion on Draft direct tax announced by the Finance minister in August and its implications of the CSO if passed. The session began with a presentation explaining the direct implications and meaning of the tax code and later explaining its status as well the preparedness required by the CSO. This was followed by an open house for participants for clarifications. Mr. Harsh Jaitli, CEO, VANI appreciated the kind of work done by the CSOs in Gujarat, they been very proactive and vibrant as a sector. He also shared the recent activities of VANI and its desire to have collaboration with more partners working in diverse areas from the state of Gujarat. Overall the meeting was very interactive and participative for all.

5th January, 2010 : State meeting in Uttranchal

A one day meeting was organised in Dehradhun, Uttaranchal. The main purpose of the meeting was to promote the practices of good governance in the CSO of Uttranchal. The meeting was organised in collaboration with Sambandh – network. The meeting was attended by around 28 CSOs from the state of Uttaranchal. The meeting was held as a continuation of the regional meeting held in Chandigarh in November last year. In addition to the theme of good governance, the status of the state policy on voluntary sector also discussed.

22nd -23rd December, 2009 : Regional workshop on Good Governance in Jaipur, Rajasthan

A two day regional workshop on “Good governance in civil society organizations” was held in Jaipur on 22nd and 23rd December, 2009. The workshop was organised by Voluntary Action Network India (VANI) in association with Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Jaipur (Rajasthan).The main purpose of the workshop was to enhance common understanding among the participants on issues of legitimacy, transparency and accountability, hence leading to the creation of an environment for promoting of good governance practices among the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Representatives of near about 25-30 CSOs from the states of Goa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh participated in the workshop. A number of speakers at the workshop stressed on the need to further insure effective achievement of results by CSOs. While delivering the inaugural speech at the workshop Mr. M .L .Mehta former Chief Secretary to the Government of Rajasthan said that, “When there is a difference in manifestos and the worked of the NGOs and CSOs then it cannot be regarded as God Governance”. Speaking about the Good Governance in CSOs in Global perspective Dr. Sunil Ray from IDS, Jaipur said that, “CSOs should be more accountable to the people and not to the funding agencies and accountability doesn’t necessarily means accounting procedures. Harsh Jaitli, CEO of VANI said that CSOs should stop blaming each other and there should be transparency in their function. He said that, there should be diversity in the governing board of the CSOs and NGOs. Ish Madhu Talwar, ex president of Press Club Jaipur said, “In the era of corporatisation of the media we still cannot deny the importance of the media organizations for furthering the cause of NGOs and CSOs. Confidence building measures should be encouraged to make the relationship of the media and NGOs stronger”. N.M Ranka, senior advocate at the Rajasthan High Court said that, to make the good governance effective new members who can bring a change through new ideas must be included in the governing boards of trusts and CSOs. He also talked about the upcoming direct tax code vis a vis NGOs and CSOs. Bhanwar Singh Chandana, Co ordinating Director of Aastha Sansthan stressed on the need for democratic way of governing the organizations and their governing bodies. There was unanimity among the speakers for the CSOs to promote the practice of good governance within the CSOs for greater participation and representation of their constituents.

27th – 28th November, 2009 –Meeting held in Goa on Importance of Building and sustaining Networks.

The Don Bosco Institutions want to build a national network under the name of Don Bosco Action India, to raise the issues, liaison, and advocate. Every year they organize national meet of Development Officers to review and strategize their work. This year the meet was organized in Goa and they requested VANI’s input on networking. The Don Bosco is divided into 10 provinces headed by Development Officers who report to Rome. Their institution structure does not match with the national structure of India where they want to raise, coordinate and participate in development projects. They had done almost 13 discussions earlier on networking but the fear of losing autonomy was hindering the formation. Mr. Harsh Jaitli, CEO attended meeting and shared his experience and input with the participants. In his presentation various examples where shared about the decision making, formation and role of secretarial from VANI. I advised them to make a operational plan and focus on evolving the process rather then coping any set pattern. They also expressed their interest in joining VANI.

26th November, 2009 -Consultation on State and Direct tax Code held in Bhopal, MP

VANI in collaboration with Samarthan organized a day long discussion on the burning issues like new taxation code of Indian Government, status of state policy for voluntary sector and challenges and opportunities faced by sector in the state of Madhya Pradesh. 42 representatives from various voluntary organizations attended this meeting which was held on November 26, 2009. The meeting started with Mr. Yogesh Kumar, Director of Samarthan (MP) highlighting the challenges faced by the sector in the state. Afterwards there was presentation by Mr. Avinash on the National Policy on Voluntary Sector adopted by Government of India in 2007. Mr. Dhirender Chaturvedi of Madhya Pradesh Jan Abhiyan Parishad also spoke about the initiatives undertaken by the state government for the partnership with Voluntary Sector. He reiterated the commitment of the state government for developing the state policy. In the second session, Mr. Harsh Jaitli and Mr. Bhapna (CA) spoke on the proposed Direct Taxes Code. Surprisingly many participants although aware about the code but not realized the gravity. In the last session discussion took place on the challenges and opportunities faced by the sector in the MP. Mrs. Pushpa highlighted the risks of dependency on government projects and stressed the need to safeguard the independence of the sector. Ms. Ravinder Uppal of Social Watch highlighted the role of social movement in advocacy with the government. Mr. Zabar Bhai of Bhopal Gas Victim Association reminded the manipulation done by both National and State government in settling the claims of victims of Bhopal Gas disaster. During the discussion after the session concern were raised to rejuvenate the Madhya VAN. It was suggested in the end that State Convention and Annual General Meeting of Madhya VAN will be organized to not only re-activate the network but also to debate the state related issues in detail.

19th -20th November, 2009 : Regional Workshop on Good governance in Chandigarh

Promotion of practices of good governance and management amongst voluntary organizations through standard setting and sensitization is one of the main priorities of Voluntary Action Network India (VANI). In order to take this further VANI along with its partner SOFOSH- Society for Social Health organised a two day Regional workshop in Chandigarh on 19th – 20th November covering the Northern Region States (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab).We have tried to be instrumental in directly or indirectly helping our member and several non-member organizations across the region by educating, sensitizing and motivating them to follow those norms and guidelines which will ultimately help in enhancing credibility of the sector. The workshop went off well, the discussions and deliberations were participatory and enriching. Speakers shared their subject knowledge as well as personal experience which helped the participants in better and clear understanding of the Concept of Good governance. A general notion was to have more such meeting especially in places where VANI doesn’t have a large membership base like Chandigarh.

10th-11th October, 2009 : Two Day Meet at UPVAN, Lucknow.

UPVAN organized a two day AGM/ discussions on the 10th – 11th October, 2009 at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The meeting focused on issues of NREGA, Social Audit, CSR, and State Policy on voluntary sector and last bur not the least the very recent Direct Tax Code and its implications on the voluntary sector. Around 150 participants were present in the meeting. Good discussion took place on the issue such as:-

Usage of social audit in NREGA as well as exploring the new areas of engagement of civil Society in CSR.
However, the smaller NGOs had no idea of Direct Tax Code, after knowing its implications they also shared the concern and got motivated to approach Finance Minister.
UPVAN announced that although slow, but the state government has recently formed a committee comprising two members from Civil Society to work further on the policy document.
Discussion also took place during the AGM of UPAN about its boundaries in thematic areas and mandate. It was felt that UPVAN should explore new areas like CSR, Climate Change and visualize things before hand for voluntary sector.

The outcomes of the meeting were to have more such follow exercises in other states to push up the policy and very importantly recognize the need to organize dialogues around new taxation regime.

22nd September 2009: Drafting Committee Meeting of Tamil Nadu Voluntary Sector Policy organised at Asha Niwas, Chennai

Rejuvenate India Movement (RIM) organised a meeting of the Drafting Committee members of Tamil Nadu Voluntary Sector Policy on 22nd September, 2009 at Chennai. Drafting committee members were invited to discuss the following points regarding the policy:

To consider the first draft evolved.
To consider all suggestions those have come so far on the policy and way forward from here.
Also included there was a brief discussion on the Direct Tax Code and its implications for the Voluntary sector.

The team worked on editing the Draft policy after going through a presentation which was a compilation of responses. This draft now shall be circulated to many organizations in the state for suggestions and feedback.
Also, the team felt the urgency to act on sending as many representations as possible to the Finance Ministry to drop the new provisions added for Charitable Institutions in the proposed Direct tax code. The appeal was jointly signed by the group and sent. A representative from VANI was also present in the meeting.

8th- 9th September 2009 : Regional Workshop (South) on Good Governance in CSOs in Kerala

Voluntary Action Network India (VANI), New Delhi and SAHAYI, Centre for Collective Learning and Action, Kerala jointly organized a Southern Regional workshop on Good Governance in Civil Society Organizations on 8th and 9th of September 2009 at Hotel Geeth International in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It was attended by delegates representing 31 voluntary organizations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The two-day workshop was aimed at enhancing common understanding among the participants on issues of legitimacy, transparency and accountability, leading to the creation of an enhancing environment for promoting good governance practices among the CSOs.

The group learning processes of the workshop were facilitated by a conducive learning ambience. The sessions were interactive, the facilitators were presenting their views and inviting group interaction and discussion. The summary power point presentations were effective in igniting thinking and eliciting responses. Ample time was allotted to open house sharing and discussion after each presentation. Extensive reading materials provided conceptual inputs for discussion..

3rd September 2009: Consultation on Draft Direct Tax Code Bill 2009 and its Impact on Voluntary Sector

VANI organized a consultation on the ‘Direct Tax Code Bill and its impact on Voluntary Sector on 3rd September 2009 in New Delhi. The purpose of this consultation was to discuss the Bill which was released by the Ministry of Finance on 12th August 2009 for public comments. This consultation of experts and representatives from the sector helped thrash out a more concrete and detailed analysis of this Code, it also paved way for a very concrete discussion which will become the basis of making a recommendation to the Finance Minister and other stakeholders on all issues of concern.

Unfortunately from time and again, the government keeps ignoring the contribution of the voluntary sector in supporting it reach the marginalised section in the society. On one hand the government announces the National Policy on the Voluntary Sector and on the other imposes tax restrictions. The voluntary sector is extremely apprehensive about several listing of changes proposed in the new Direct Taxes Code 2009 which appear to lead to several adverse implications for it and which will undermine its financial sustainability and management. The passage of this Code will sound a death knell for thousands of NGOs, making them extremely vulnerable to administrative arm twisting and unwarranted interference in management which will impact independence of the sector and put in peril, a lot of good work.

We appeal to the sector for its support in ensuring that the concerns of the sector are fairly addressed in this Code, which otherwise is unlikely to achieve its goals if it creates crippling difficulties for non-profit organisations. VANI appeals to the sector to take up this issue and help secure the future of millions of voluntary organisations in our country including yours’ and ensure the sector is not hindered and targeted by the unnecessary tax restrictions.

Appeal for Action to the Voluntary sector in India [English Version]
Appeal for Action to the Voluntary sector in India. [Hindi Version]

13th July 2009: Representation to the Hon'ble Finance Minister on amendments to definition of ‘Charitable Purpose’ in the Finance Bill 2009

On behalf of the voluntary sector, VANI made a renewed representation to the Hon'ble Finance Minister on Monday, 13th July 2009 regarding the recent amendments to the definition of 'charitable purpose' that he introduced in the Finance Bill 2009 in the Parliament on 6th July 2009. VANI has also sent appeals to several MPs to raise the concern of the sector with the Hon’ble Minister.

VANI has also appealed to its members and other civil society organisations to raise this issue with the Finance Minister urgently through various contacts/channels like government, private sector and media.

Representation to the Hon'ble Finance Minister, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee.

22nd June 2009; Cambodian Delegation from Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC) visits VANI

A three member delegation from Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC), which was in India on an exposure visit, was hosted by VANI on 22nd June 2009. CCC is the pre-eminent membership organization of the non-government sector in Cambodia. Since 1991 it has taken a lead role in representing the voice of Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to government and donors communities and effectively representing the professional interests of NGOs across diverse sectors. The purpose of this exposure visit was to provide opportunity for key project staff and management to learn and share practical experiences on mechanisms, challenges and methodologies to promote NGO Good Governance in Cambodia, to learn how Good Governance and accountability principles are being practiced in India and to know about potential mechanisms for NGOs to get engaged and influence in decision-making processes regarding social and development issues