NGO Registration in Rajasthan and Its Choices

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in socio-economic development, education, and welfare activities across India. To operate legally and receive funding from the government, NGOs must register with the appropriate authorities. The process of NGO registration in Rajasthan is simple and straightforward, provided the organization meets the eligibility criteria. In this article we will discuss about NGO Registration in Rajasthan.

What is an NGO?

An NGO is a non-profit organization that works towards a social cause or any other humanitarian objective. NGOs can be of different types, such as charitable organizations, educational institutions, research organizations, advocacy groups, and more. The main purpose of NGOs is to bring positive changes in society, promote sustainable development, and address social, economic, and environmental issues.

NGOs are usually funded by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, or the government. They operate independently of the government, but they may collaborate with government agencies, international organizations, or other NGOs to achieve their goals.

NGO Registration in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan, NGOs can be registered under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, 1958, or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. To register under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, the NGO must have a minimum of seven members who can sign the registration documents. The application must also include the organization’s memorandum of association, rules and regulations, and a list of governing body members. The process of registration can take up to three months, and once registered, the NGO must file annual reports with the registrar of societies.

To register under the Indian Trusts Act, the NGO must have a minimum of two trustees who can sign the registration documents. The application must also include the trust deed and a list of trustees. The process of registration can take up to six months, and once registered, the trust must file annual reports with the registrar of trusts.

Benefits of registering an NGO

Registering an NGO offers several benefits, including legal recognition, access to funding, and tax exemptions. Here are some of the key advantages of registering an NGO:

• Legal Recognition: Registering an NGO gives it legal recognition and makes it eligible to receive government grants and donations from individuals and organizations. It also helps establish credibility and legitimacy, which can be useful when seeking partnerships or collaborations.
• Access to Funding: Registered NGOs are eligible to receive funding from government agencies, international organizations, and philanthropic foundations. This funding can help NGOs scale up their operations and expand their impact.
• Tax Exemptions: Registered NGOs are exempt from paying taxes on their income and donations received, which can help them save money and reinvest it into their programs and services.

Eligibility criteria for NGO registration in Rajasthan

The following eligibility criteria must be met to register an NGO in Rajasthan:

• The organization must have a minimum of three members.
• The members must have a common objective and agree to work together towards that objective.
• The organization must have a registered office in Rajasthan.
• The organization’s activities must be focused on social welfare, charitable purposes, or the promotion of art, science, literature, or education.
• The organization must not engage in any political activities.

Documents Required for NGO Registration in Rajasthan

The following are the documents required for NGO Registration in Rajasthan:

• Memorandum of Association: The Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a document that contains the objectives, rules, and regulations of the NGO. It is the founding document of the organization, and it must be signed by all the members.
• Articles of Association: The Articles of Association (AOA) is a document that contains the rules and regulations governing the internal affairs of the NGO. It contains information about the management of the NGO, its meetings, and its finances.
• Registration Form: The NGO must fill out the registration form with all the required details. The form must be signed by the President and the Secretary of the NGO.
• Address Proof: The NGO must provide an address proof of the registered office. The address proof can be a rental agreement or a utility bill.
• ID Proof: The members of the NGO must provide their ID proof, such as a passport, voter ID card, or driving license.
• Passport Size Photographs: The members of the NGO must provide passport size photographs.
• PAN Card: The NGO must provide a copy of its PAN card.

Procedure for NGO registration in Rajasthan

The following are the steps to register an NGO in Rajasthan:

• Step 1: Choose a name for the organization: The name should be unique and not similar to any other organization. The name should also not contain any words that are prohibited by law.

• Step 2: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA): The MOA and AOA are the governing documents of the organization. They outline the organization’s objectives, activities, and rules for governing the organization.

• Step 3: Obtain a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): A DSC is a digital certificate that verifies the identity of the person signing the documents. The DSC can be obtained from any certified authority.

• Step 4: Obtain a Director Identification Number (DIN): The DIN is a unique identification number that is required for all directors of the organization. It can be obtained online from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs website.

• Step 5: Register the organization with the Registrar of Societies: The Registrar of Societies is the authority responsible for registering NGOs in Rajasthan. The registration process involves submitting the MOA, AOA, and other relevant documents to the Registrar of Societies.

• Step 6: Obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN): A PAN and TAN are required for the organization to open a bank account and receive funding from the government.

Legal Window can assist you with the registration of an NGO by simply following a few simple procedures and can give you with a thorough understanding of this type of company. For NGO registration and compliance services, please contact our team at 072407-51000 or admin@legalwindow.in. 

Choices Available for NGO Registration in Rajasthan

The following are the choices available for NGO Registration in Rajasthan:

Trust Registration: Trusts are registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. A trust is a legal entity that is created when a person (trustee) holds the property on behalf of another person (beneficiary). Trusts are generally established for charitable or religious purposes. The key features of a trust are:

• It is registered with the Registrar of Trusts.
• The trustee holds the property on behalf of the beneficiaries.
• The trust has a specific purpose, such as charity or religion.
• The trust cannot distribute profits to its members.
  

Society Registration: Societies are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1958. A society is a group of people who come together for a specific purpose, such as charity, religion, education, or art. The key features of a society are:

• It is registered with the Registrar of Societies.
• The society has a governing body or managing committee.
• The society has a specific purpose, such as charity, religion, education, or art.
• The society cannot distribute profits to its members.

Section 8 Company Registration: A Section 8 Company is a type of company that is registered under the Companies Act, 2013. The primary objective of a Section 8 Company is to promote social welfare activities, such as education, art, religion, and charity. The key features of a Section 8 Company are:

• It is registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• The company has a governing body or board of directors.
• The company has a specific purpose, such as education, art, religion, or charity.
• The company cannot distribute profits to its members.

Important considerations while registering an NGO in Rajasthan

The following are the important consideration while registering an NGO in Rajasthan:

• Choose the right legal structure: NGOs can be registered as trusts, societies, or section 8 companies. Each legal structure has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is important to choose the right legal structure based on your organization’s goals, objectives, and activities.
• Name of the NGO: The name of the NGO should be unique and should not be similar to any other registered organization. You can check the availability of the name by conducting a name search on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations: The Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations define the objectives, activities, and rules of the NGO. These documents should be drafted carefully and should be in line with the laws of Rajasthan.
• Board of Trustees or Governing Body: The Board of Trustees or Governing Body is responsible for the overall management and decision-making of the NGO. The members of the Board should be chosen carefully, and they should have the necessary expertise and experience in their respective fields.
• Registration with the Registrar of Societies: To register an NGO in Rajasthan, you need to file an application with the Registrar of Societies. The application should include the Memorandum of Association and Rules and Regulations, along with other required documents.
• Tax registration and compliance: NGOs are eligible for tax exemptions under certain conditions. Therefore, it is important to obtain tax registration and comply with the tax laws of Rajasthan to avail of these benefits.

Takeaway

NGOs play a vital role in promoting social welfare, human rights, and environmental sustainability. To register an NGO in Rajasthan, you need to follow the legal requirements and guidelines set by the government. By choosing the right legal structure, drafting the necessary documents, and complying with the laws and regulations, you can establish a successful NGO that can make a positive impact on society.