From Editor’s Desk,
LET US JOIN HANDS
As this is the first newsletter of the year 2011, I wish to take this opportunity to wish you all a meaningful year ahead.
The year gone by has been an eventful one. An open-minded and objective observation of the various developments of the past year will take us to a definitive conclusion that the voluntary sector in India is passing through very critical period wherein not only restrictive laws are being made but also many social activists working within the Indian constitution and non-violent means are being victimized. In an attempt to address this disturbing development, VANI has initiated a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, VANI has started a campaign to educate the sector through the dissemination of latest rules and regulations, and on the other hand VANI is also documenting actual case studies of victimization and harassments from the filed. For this, there is an open offer from VANI to send its team to the meetings of various networks to talk about the issues of concern. VANI has got very positive response to this and already we have participated in number of meetings. In case you want to be part of this, then please let us know.
We are also undertaking studies on the regulatory regime and its implication on the sector. The details of the study are available on our website. I invite you to be a part of this attempt by writing to us with your perspectives and views on the same. Keeping all these in mind, VANI is organizing a national level meeting on February 22-23, 2011 at Delhi.
The ghost of accreditation has re-emerged with the release of report by the task force constituted by the Planning Commission. We all would like to see accreditation; if at all we want it, as an instrument to ease out legal harassments like FCRA and Income Tax. At least, this should facilitate recognition for generating local funds from the domestic donors. However, these two critical questions have remained un-answered with the framework recommended by the Task force. It looks like an ‘agni pariksha’ for voluntary organizations. Even the membership is distributed un-evenly with more members from sectors other than those it is supposed to regulate. VANI has taken up this issue of proposing accreditation which does not contribute towards creating an enabling environment for the sector, but we propose a process of accreditation that gives equal stress and importance to all groups, be it small or big.
The time has come to unite and speak in single voice to safeguard the space and strength of voluntary sector. We hope that you will send us your suggestions and guide us in this task
Harsh Jaitli,
CEO,
Voluntary Action Network India
New Delhi
VANI INITIATIVES @ December 2010
Visit
December 13-14, 2010 : VANI along with Coordination SUD is working towards developing Asian Coalition of National Platform. As a part of strengthening the South East Asia region, a visit was made to CODE-NGO Manila. CODE-NGO is the national platform of Philippines Voluntary organizations.
Events
Appeal from VANI for justice for Dr. Binayak Sen : VANI, on behalf of its members, has sent an appeal for justice to Dr. Ben to policy makers, judiciary and the media More...
21st December 2010: Working Committee meeting
A meeting of VANI’s working committee was convened on 21st December, 2010.
18th and 19th December, 2010: Regional Meeting on Good Governance in Conference hall, CASA, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
VANI organized a regional workshop (western region) on Good Governance at CASA Resource Center, Udaipur, on 18th and 19th December, 2010. The meeting was attended by 45 participants and Mr. Harsh Jaitli, CEO- VANI made the opening remarks and explained the evolution of VANI. He further mentioned that how people from government and corporate sectors are demanding the credibility of voluntary sector.
3rd December 2010: Letters sent to Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Anil Goswami (IAS) Additional Secretary (Foreigners), Mr. G.V. Venugopala Sharma (IAS) Joint Secretary (Foreigners) and VIP list of VANI in relation to the rules being framed under the new Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
Forthcoming VANI Initiatives....
Events
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24th January, 2011: VANI, in collaboration with CASA, Raipur, will be organizing a one-day state consultation on ‘Challenges faced by Voluntary Sector in Chattisgarh’. The consultation, which will be held in Raipur, will focus on the challenges faced by the voluntary sector in Chattisgarh.
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28th January, 2011: VANI will be organising its state consultation in Orissa on “Challenges faced by the Voluntary Sector” in collaboration with Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), Bhubaneshwar
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February 22 & 23, 2011: National Consultation on ‘Voluntary Sector in India: Perspectives and Challenges’ at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi
The two-day consultation will be held around four key themes; Regulatory Framework related to Voluntary Sector, Strengthening the Sector, Giving in the New Age and Future of Voluntary Sector. The objective of the consultation is to work out a series of interventions and advocacy tools to enable and strengthen the voluntary sector. Representatives from across the sectors, including policy makers, representatives from the media and civil society are expected to take part in the same.
More...
Study
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Study in progress: VANI is currently in the process of spearheading the following studies
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Review of the Taskforce Report from CAPART
A taskforce was constituted by the Planning Commission of India to examine the issues related to the evolution of an independent, national level, self-regulatory agency for the voluntary sector, and to develop accreditation methodologies for voluntary organizations. The taskforce has published its report and VANI is currently in the process of analyzing the same with the inputs from its stakeholders.
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Analysis and advocacy campaign for fiscal reform for voluntary sector in India:  This study is an effort from VANI to take stock of the recent fiscal policies of India in relation to its implications to the voluntary sector. The overall objective of this exercise is to develop a sound advocacy tool to present policy recommendations to the concerned stakeholders.
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Philanthropy at New Age: A qualitative study to explore how the concept of philanthropy is perceived today. The study, which will take the perspectives from various leading contributors in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, will try to identify the strategies to boost further initiatives in this line.
News in general
Companies registered as non-profit entities can now run AICTE-approved courses
A new set of norms aimed at improving the higher education has been unveiled by Kapil Sibal,India's minister for education. Non Profit companies can now set up AICTE approved courses under these provisions.
Source>>> http://www.rttnews.com/Content/IndianNews.aspx?Id=1517066&SM=1
Limit RTI applications to 250 words: DoPT
New Delhi: RTI applications may now be limited to 250 words and to only one topic if the rules for processing of such applications suggested by the department of personnel may find their way through.
Read more>>> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Limit-RTI-applications-to-250-words-DoPT/articleshow/7087358.cms
National Minimum Wage for Agricultural Workers and Credit for Small and Marginal Farmers in the Country
In order to have a uniform wage structure and to reduce the disparity in minimum wages across the country, a concept of National Floor Level Minimum Wage (NFLMW) was mooted, which has been revised at Rs.100/- per day with effect from 01.11.2009.
Read more>>> http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=68468
Most Indian infants are underfed
A global report released Wednesday has said that over 80 per cent of infants born in India each year - 20 million out of a total of 26 million - are insufficiently fed and face the risk of disease and death.
Read more >>> http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Most-Indian-infants-are-underfed/articleshow/7150509.cms
CAPART needs to change its role: Joshi
A major promoter of micro and cottage industries in rural India, the Council for Advancement of People's Action and Rural Technology (CAPART) needs a new institutional framework to develop linkages with panchayati raj institutions, Rural Development Minister C.P. Joshi Tuesday said warning that the organisation will collapse if it did not bring about a change in its role.
Read more>>> http://smetimes.tradeindia.com/smetimes/news/industry/2010/Dec/29/capart-need-to-change-its-role-joshi624561.html
| Foreign Contribution and Regulation Act, 2010 – Frequently asked questions (FAQs) |
- I have been the director of an NGO for more than 10 years. I have now learnt that FCRA rules have been changed. Is it true?
Ans: Yes. The existing FCRA 1976 has been replaced by FCRA 2010. Currently, the rules under the Act are being framed.
- I am associated with an international donor agency. Does our organization’s financial transaction to our partners come under the purview of FCRA? Does FCRA 2010 have any implications?
Ans: Yes. Your financial transactions are also Under FCRA 2010. Only United Nations, International Monetary Fund, The World Bank or such other agency as the central Government may, by notification in the official gazette, are exempted from FCRA
You will have to get a prior approval from the central government before transferring the money to your partner organizations
- I already have a FCRA certificate. Do I need to register again?
Ans: No. You need not register again. However you need to renew your registration after every five years. The application for the renewal must be made six months prior to the expiry.
- The old FCRA and Income Tax Act did not allow funds to be invested in speculative business. What is the position under new FCRA?
Ans: It remains same. Under FCRA 2010, you cannot invest money in speculative business.
- I have registered an NGO. When can I apply for the FCRA?
Ans: No. under FCRA 2010, you will have to show some proof of having carried out a “meaningful activity” for a period of minimum three years.
- What are the documents that I need to submit along with my application?
Ans: you will have to submit the following documents.
(i) Certified copy of registration certificate or Trust deed, as the case may be;
(ii) Details of activities during the last three years;
(iii) Copies of audited statement of accounts for the past three years (Asset and Liabilities, Receipt and Payment, Income and Expenditure)
- I have not acquired an FCRA certificate. Can I still receive foreign fund?
Ans: Yes. You can still receive foreign fund for a specific programme or project with a prior permission from the central government. But you need to meet certain conditions, such as;
(i)Be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the
Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956;Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956;
(ii) Submit commitment letter from the donor; and
(iii) Submit copy of project for which foreign contribution is solicited/ is being offered.
- What are the documents that I need to submit for obtaining the prior approval?
Ans:You will have to submit the following documents
(i) Certified copy of registration certificate or Trust deed, as the case may be;
(ii) Commitment letter from foreign donor specifying the amount of foreign contribution;
Copy of project for which foreign contribution was solicited / is being offered;
- I want apply for FCRA certificate. Where should I apply for this?
Ans: you need to apply to the home ministry. The application for the registration can be downloaded from the ministry. You can send your application to the following address;
The Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs
Foreigners’ Division, Jaisalmer House,
26, Man Singh Road, New Delhi – 110011.
There is also a provision for online registration. Please visit the website of the ministry for further details.
- Is the interest incurred on foreign fund also foreign money?
Ans: Yes, under FCRA 2010, even the interest generated out of fixed deposits comes under the FC money.
- I am working in an NGO, looking into both accounts and HR related matters. What should I look forward to in FCRA 2010?
Ans: You need to bear in mind that under FCRA 2010, you cannot use more than 50% of your FC money for meeting administrative expenses. If you want to do so, you need to take prior permission from central government. You need to wait for rules to check what exactly comes under administrative expenses.
- What are the conditions under which I could lose my FCRA certificate?
Ans: you can lose your FCRA certificate broadly under the following conditions.
- What if my FCRA is cancelled?
Ans: for three years neither you can apply for new FCRA number nor you can ask for PP. basically, this is the cooling period.
- Who all are ineligible to receive foreign contribution?
Ans: foreign contribution cannot be accepted by the following categories of people;
- a candidate for election
- correspondents
- Columnists
- Cartoonists
- Editors
- Owner, printer or publisher of both print and electronic media
- Judges, government servants or employee of any corporation
- Political parties and Members of any legislature
Should you have any further questions on FCRA 2010, please get back to us at info@vaniindia.org. We will be happy to assist you in this regard) |
Member of the Month:
COVA-Confederation of Voluntary Association
Communal harmony and Peace, Economic & Social empowerment of women, child rights, education civic rights, family counselling.....
COVA aims to create secular platforms in the form of networks for localised needs of harmony and empowerment involving local people, CBOs, VOs, and institutions, cutting across communities and working on the principle of service to humanity; COVA endeavor
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Dr. Mazher Hussain
Director
COVA-Confederation of Voluntary Association
20-4-10, Near New Bus Stand, Charminar
Hyderabad - 500 002
Andhra Pradesh
Tel: +91 040-24572984, 24528318, 24528320
Email: covanetwork@gmail.com, mazherhussain11@gmail.com,
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