In India, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in various sectors like education, health, and social welfare. To function legally, NGOs must complete several registration processes. One crucial document is the Darpan Registration Certificate. This certificate allows NGOs to register with the NGO Darpan Portal, ensuring that their activities are recognized and transparent. Here is a detailed look at the procedure to register an NGO and the importance of the Darpan Registration Certificate.

What is a Darpan Registration Certificate?

A Darpan Registration Certificate is issued when an NGO registers with the NGO Darpan Portal managed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This certificate is essential for NGOs to ensure that their work is properly documented and monitored by the government. It is also necessary for accessing various government schemes and programs.

Procedure to Register NGO

Registering an NGO in India involves several steps. The first step is to choose the appropriate legal structure for your NGO. This can be a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company under the Companies Act, 2013. The procedure to register ngo steps are involved in registering an NGO:

1. Choose the Structure: Decide whether you want to establish a Trust, Society, or Section 8 Company based on the nature and goals of your organization.
   
   
2. Draft the Memorandum: Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and the Articles of Association (AoA) that define the purpose and functioning of your NGO.
   
   
3. Register with the Relevant Authority: For a Trust, register under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882. For a Society, register with the Registrar of Societies. For a Section 8 Company, apply with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
   
   
4. Obtain 12A Registration: One of the key steps is getting the 12A registration. This step helps NGOs get tax-exempt status and is crucial for the proper functioning of any NGO.
   
   
5. Apply for the Darpan Registration Certificate: Once your NGO is officially registered, you can apply for the Darpan Registration Certificate by visiting the official NGO Darpan Portal.
   
   

Importance of 12A Registration for NGOs

The 12A registration is important because it allows NGOs to receive tax exemptions under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Without this registration, an NGO would not be able to claim tax exemptions, which is a key benefit for any non-profit organization. Having a 12A registration ensures transparency and legality in all financial matters related to the NGO.

How to Get the Darpan Registration Certificate

Once your NGO has completed the necessary registrations, applying for the Darpan Registration Certificate is relatively simple. The steps include:

1. Visit the NGO Darpan Portal: Go to the official portal and create an account.
   
   
2. Fill the Application Form: Provide all the required details, including the registration number of your NGO, address, and other organizational details.
   
   
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Attach necessary documents, such as the registration certificate, 12A registration, and MoA/AoA.
   
   
4. Complete the Process: After verifying the information, submit the application for approval. The Darpan Registration Certificate will be issued once the application is accepted.
   
   

Conclusion

Getting a Darpan Registration Certificate is an important step for any NGO looking to operate legally in India. It also opens doors for better opportunities and government collaborations. Remember to complete all the steps, including obtaining a 12A registration, to ensure smooth operations. By following the procedure to register your NGO and securing these important documents, you are taking your first steps toward making a positive impact on society.