Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 18: The Maharashtra government has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the registration, monitoring, and renewal of non-governmental organisations and institutions working for the welfare, development, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.

Announced through a government resolution by the Department of Disability Welfare, the SOP mandates registration for all organisations engaged in disability welfare and rehabilitation, as per sections 49-53 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The move aims to ensure uniformity, transparency, and accountability in the functioning of civil society organisations in this sector.

The commissioner for disability welfare has been designated as the competent authority under the Act. Under the guidelines, institutions must register under the Societies Registration Act, the Bombay Public Trusts Act, or section 8 of the Companies Act. Their objectives must explicitly include empowerment, training, research, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Organisations are also required to demonstrate adequate staff strength, financial capacity, accessibility, and compliance with other prescribed norms.

Registration applications, along with necessary documents, must be submitted to the district-level authority, which will forward them to the commissioner after preliminary scrutiny. A district inspection committee will examine the proposals and submit a report within 30 days. Once approved, organisations will receive a one-year registration certificate and a unique institution ID.

Registered organisations must apply for renewal at least 60 days before expiry and submit annual reports and audited financial statements. Each registered organisation will be inspected at least once a year. The government resolution stated that registration may be revoked for violations such as misuse of funds, failure to deliver benefits, financial irregularities, or instances of exploitation.