The Government of India established NGO Darpan to improve transparency and streamline the operations of NGOs (Non-Government Organisation) and VOs (Voluntary Organisation), which are essential in dealing with social issues. NITI Aayog oversees this internet platform, which supports NGOs in registration and obtaining government financing, grants, and other advantages.
Registration on NGO Darpan offers many benefits, such as increased credibility, recognition, and funding eligibility. In case you are running an NGO or thinking of starting one, then this guide will know all about the registration process, relevant documentation, and advantages of registering on NGO Darpan. But NGO registration process has to be done first before making any Darpan ID application.
What is NGO Darpan?
In 2015, the NITI Aayog initiated the NGO Darpan project in order to achieve transparency and deliver accountability in NGO activities. The NGO Darpan Portal serves as the official platform for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) to register themselves and obtain a Unique Identity Number (Darpan ID), which is generally required when filing applications for government funding and grants.
Key Features of NGO Darpan:
- A centralised database of all NGOs in India.
- Brings transparency in the functioning of NGOs.
- Funding avenues provided through government schemes.
- Essential for government grants and partnerships.
Who Can Register on NGO Darpan Portal?
Organizations are not, by default, eligible for NGO Darpan Registration. Being a valid NGO Darpan ID should satisfy one of the following categories:
- Trust- Registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882.
- Societies- Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) or Charitable Company- Registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Other Legally Registered Organisations- Organisations that adhere to the stipulated guidelines.
NGO Darpan Registration Documents
Before starting with the registration procedure, certain documents should be in hand:
Documents required:
- PAN Card of the NGO Members- For financial verifications, it is considered compulsory.
- Registration Certificate of the NGO- To give evidence that the NGO is legally registered.
- Address Proof- To provide a proof of office address (telephone bill/rent agreement, etc.).
- Details of the Chief Functionary- Name, designation, and contact number.
- Aadhaar Card of the Members- To verify the identity of key functionaries.
- Annual Reports, Financial Statements- Evidence of the NGO's work and financial transactions.
- Important Documents of the NGO- Trust Deed (For Trust), MOA and Rules & Regulations (For Society), MOA & AOA Both (For Section 8 Companies).
- Details of Projects and Activities- Which have already been completed by the NGO.
- Witness Documents- PAN, Aadhar cards and contact details of the two witnesses (must be outsiders not connected to the NGO).
NGO Darpan Registration Fees
NGO Darpan registration is completely free; there is no government fee for this. If you are registering your NGO Darpan, through professionals, then only the professional fee is included.
Step-by-Step NGO Darpan Registration Process
The process for NGO-DARPAN (NGO Data Analytics and Research Platform) Registration is fully online. To register an NGO, at any rate, one must follow these steps:
- Fill in the application form with basic details, such as the NGO name, registration number, sector, etc.
- Upload the relevant documents, such as Certificate of Registration, PAN card, Annual Reports, bank account information, and Key documents.
- Click the “Submit” button to complete the registration.
- The NGO will then receive an acknowledging email with a unique ID, along with instructions on how to activate the account.
- Click the link therein to activate the account and set the password.
- Log in to the NGO DARPAN Portal with ID and password.
- Complete profile details, address of work, beneficiaries, and activities.
- Publish profile so that it can be accessed by other NGOs and government agencies.
Note: Verification might take a few days or sometimes weeks, depending on the correctness of the documents submitted.
NGO Darpan Registration Benefits
The NGO Darpan portal offers several benefits when registering your NGO that help the organization grow and gain access to funding opportunities. Some of the other major benefits of NGO Darpan are:
- Grant and Funding by Government Agencies
NGOs registered with an NGO Darpan registration can apply for government grants, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds, and foreign contributions. Darpan ID is generally a prerequisite by most of the ministries for considering applications of NGOs for funds. This provides for the financial sustenance of NGOs towards enhancing projects and impact.
- Enhanced Credibility and Trust
The NGO Darpan registration makes the NGO recognized by NITI Aayog, thus increasing the reputation of the NGO. Registered NGOs are trusted by funding organisations, corporates, and foreign entities. It gives a stamp of authenticity or legitimacy to the organisation, and this increases the credibility of the organisation among the donors.
- Access to Partnership Opportunities
It is through the Darpan ID that NGOs become civil society actors interacting with various government bodies, ministries, and corporate organisations. Their participation may then extend to policy discussions, advocacy, and research programmes. It also lends an NGO the opportunity to expand its network and work alongside others in the same realm as it.
- Recognition and Visibility
Listing on NGO Darpan can further ensure your NGO's visibility among potential donors and partners. It acts as a government-verified platform to present projects, accomplishments, and goals, thereby facilitating trust and build-up in collaborations abroad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Darpan Registration
Simple mistakes cause longer delays and even rejections in the process of Darpan Registration for many NGOs. There are some points of frequent mistakes and tips to avoid them:
Providing Wrong or Incomplete Information
- Ensure that the name, address, and legal details of the NGO are in complete agreement with that recorded in official records.
- Keep the spelling of the name and the number check twice before submitting.
- If there is any mismatch, it may delay or outrightly reject your application.
Uploading Blurred or Incorrect Documents
- Documents must be scanned with clarity and in the given format (PDF, JPEG, PNG).
- Make sure that the PAN Card, Certificate of Registration, and address proof are readable.
- Unclear or old documents might cause the rejection of the application.
Simplify Your Darpan Registration Process with JustStart
The NGO Darpan Registration strikes a critical role for NGOs seeking funds, respect, and government recognition. It is, however, a tough process, demanding thorough documentation and adherence to set regulations. JustStart has simplified the entire registration technique for you to see that it is accurately done and swiftly approved so you can focus on establishing a bigger footprint for your NGO in the field.
FAQs
Is NGO Darpan registration mandatory for all NGOs?
No, NGO Darpan registration is not mandatory for all NGOs, but applied government grants and funding should require this registration. This also increases the credibility of your organisation.
How long does the Darpan registration process take?
The duration of the registration of Darpan is something that varies somewhere between 7 to 30 days depending upon the accuracy of the documents submitted and whatever else independent verification process goes on.
Can foreign NGOs register on NGO Darpan?
No, NGO Darpan is done exclusively for NGOs registered in India. So, foreign NGOs must adhere to FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) norms to be operational in this country.
What should be done when my NGO Darpan application is rejected?
Studying the application rejection reason, correcting those errors, and submitting your application for resubmission with the required changes.
Does one have to pay a fee for registration on the NGO Darpan portal?
No, registration on the NGO Darpan portal does not require any charges. The professional fees are charged only in the case where you take help of third-party agencies for completing your registration.
