Mumbai – The Maharashtra government has established a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the registration, oversight, and renewal of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions that are actively involved in the welfare, development, and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. This significant decision was formally announced through a government resolution by the Department of Disability Welfare.
In accordance with Sections 49-53 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it is now mandatory for all organizations operating in the disability welfare and rehabilitation sector to be registered. The primary goal of this new SOP is to foster greater uniformity, transparency, and accountability among civil society organizations functioning within this crucial sector.
The Commissioner for Disability Welfare has been officially designated as the competent authority responsible for overseeing this process under the Act. The updated guidelines stipulate that eligible institutions must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, the Bombay Public Trusts Act, or Section 8 of the Companies Act. Furthermore, their stated objectives must clearly outline a commitment to the empowerment, training, research, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. These organizations will also need to demonstrate sufficient staff capacity, financial stability, accessibility features, and adherence to other specified norms, as detailed in the government resolution.
Applications for registration, accompanied by all necessary documentation, are to be submitted to the district-level authorities. These authorities will then forward the applications to the Commissioner after conducting an initial scrutiny. A district inspection committee will be tasked with reviewing the proposals and submitting its report within a 30-day timeframe. Upon approval, the organization will receive a one-year registration certificate and a unique institutional identification number.
The government resolution further mandates that registered organizations must apply for renewal at least 60 days prior to their current certificate’s expiration. They are also required to submit their annual reports and audited financial statements each year. Registered organizations will undergo an inspection at least once annually. Importantly, registration may be subject to revocation if an organization is found to be in violation of government or court orders, misusing funds, failing to deliver benefits to persons with disabilities, engaging in financial irregularities, or involved in instances of exploitation.
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