http://www.xml.com/ XML.com features a rich mix of information and services for the XML community. en-us http://www.vaniindia.org/blog/?p=72 The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (2010), the sword that hang above the heads of the voluntary organizations in India for the last few years, finally became a reality on May 01, 2011. The rules as they are presented today, in some way, reflect the series of representations, appeals, delegations, and consultations which were carried out for last many years. Devoid of such efforts, the outcome could have been different. http://vaniindia.org/form.html Electronic Help-line for Voluntary organizations and Voluntary Activists. If you have any question related to FCRA, Income Tax, Registration or any related harassment on freedom of association and democratic action, then please upload your query or sent us email. http://vaniindia.org/newsdetail.php?id=97 The last six months have been very volatile for India. Scams and corruption cases worth crores have unfolded sporadically in the country e.g. CWG scam, 2G scam, Adarsh Housing Society, fake pilots, land allotments etc. http://vaniindia.org/newsdetail.php?id=89 Sweeping changes in the rules to enforce the law governing foreign contributions can make it easier for the government to put advocacy groups on a tight leash. Easily branded as having a political nature, they will have to run to the home ministry every time they want to receive foreign funds. The rules drafted by the ministry cover NGOs that comment on 'political activities' and 'habitually' employ common methods of political action. http://vaniindia.org/newsletter/march-april2011/marchapril11.html#i Ingrid Srinath was in VANI to take part in the discussion that VANI organized on National and Global Voluntary Organizations: Linkages, Possibilities, and Opportunities. During the sideline of the meeting, she shared her perspectives on variety of issues ranging from global challenges to the possibilities of engagement for the voluntary sector. Here are a few excerpts of the conversation. http://vaniindia.org/newsdetail.php?id=87 In continuation of its efforts towards sharing the challenges faced by voluntary organizations and disseminate the information about changes in regulatory environment, VANI organized state meeting in Ranchi. This meeting was organized on March 10, 2011, in collaboration with Jharkhand voluntary Action Network and Lok Jagriti Kendra. 25 participants representing state and district level organizations attended the meeting. The issues related to constraints faced by VOs due to disturbances in the state were discussed. Participants also shared their concerns with rapidly shrinking space for voluntary action. http://vaniindia.org/Download/Appeal-FCRArules20102.doc In order to develop response to the proposed rules under FCRA 2010, VANI organized half day consultation with the Delhi based voluntary organizations on 18th March 2011 at NFI, New Delhi. Representatives from networks, donors, charted accountants, research and service delivery organizations attended. The Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs also joined the discussions. Many suggestions were offered for incorporation into the rules. http://vaniindia.org/ April 11 – 23: A delegation of three members from Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS) visited VANI as part of CIVICUS peer learning exchange programme. Besides meeting with VANI, the delegation also visited institutions like PRIA, CSE, Development Alternatives, Deepalaya, and CHRI. Possibilities of building a vibrant relationship between Indian and Mauritius voluntary sector are being explored. http://vaniindia.org/newsdetail.php?id=100 The meeting was aimed to look at the challenges faced by the voluntary sector across the globe and to explore the ways to build a constructive and productive relationship amongst all the movements and campaigns both at the national and international level. Representatives from CIVICUS, GCAP, CAF India etc participated in the same. http://vaniindia.org/newsletter/march-april2011/marchapril11.html e-VANI- A Monthly Newsletter from VANI for more news