Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are important when addressing various social, economic, and environmental issues. The NGOs work independently without any external pressures and work specifically on areas like reducing poverty, enhancing the quality of services in the education and healthcare sectors, environmental conservation, and protecting people's rights.
NGOs organise and execute various govt programs to bring a change in the world for the better and act as a bridge that connects policymakers with the people. The government of India recognises the importance of the work done by NGOs and hence introduced the NGO Darpan Portal through which NGOs can apply for the NGO Darpan Certificate managed by the NITI Aayog. It is a digital platform that allows and enables NGOs to access government grants and gain visibility for their work. The platform also enhances the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of an NGO's operations.
Read the article to learn more about the certificate, ranging from its meaning and features to eligibility and application process through the portal.
Overview
| Platform | NGO Darpan Portal |
|---|
| Certificate | NGO Darpan Certificate |
| Managed by | NITI Aayog |
| Purpose | To maintain a transparent system for NGOs/VOs to register and access government schemes and grants. |
| Key feature | Unique Identification Number (UIN) for each NGO |
| Benefits | Improves credibility, allows NGOs to access government schemes and grants, and increases their network circle. |
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What Is The NGO Darpan Certificate?
The NGO Darpan Certificate is a unique identification issued to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organisations (VOs) operating in India through the NGO Darpan Portal managed by the NITI Aayog. The certificate ensures that the NGOs and VOs maintain transparency and accountability in their daily functioning. It also allows them to access various government schemes and grants.
The NGO Darpan Certificate plays a major role and helps the NGOs establish credibility to obtain the certificate, the government authorities verify their authenticity through a thorough and rigorous process.
Difference Between Voluntary Organisation & Non-Governmental Organisations
| Component | Voluntary Organisation (VO) | Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) |
|---|
| Meaning | A group of individual organisations working voluntarily for a social cause without profit motives | An independent organisation that operates independently from the govt, usually for social, environmental, or charitable causes |
| Nature of work | Focuses on community service or specific causes through voluntary participation | Works on bigger social environmental, human rights, or developmental issues |
| Legal status | May or may not be formally registered | Formally registered under national law |
| Source of funding | From local contributions or donations by members | Funding from various sources like grants, donations, etc. |
| Examples | Community Service Groups or Local Support Networks | Human Rights Organisations or Charitable Foundations |
Features
There are several features of an NGO Darpan Certificate that help the NGO in several ways. Some of the key features are:
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Unique Identification Number (UIN): Every registered NGO/VO receives a Unique Identification Number (UIN) that marks their authenticity and allows the govt bodies and other bodies to recognise them.
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Centralised Registration System: The NGO Darpan Portal provides a single platform from which the NGOs/VOs can complete the NGO Darpan registration and apply for various funding opportunities.
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Government Registration: Registered NGOs gain formal recognition from the government, which establishes their credibility in the eyes of the world and stakeholders.
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Data Shared With NITI Aayog: The NGO Darpan Portal is managed by the NITI Aayog, which ensures that the goals of the NGO are in line with the national development goals.
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Updates: NGOs can update their information so that the information is relevant and updated with time.
What Are The Benefits Of The NGO Darpan Certificate?
There are numerous benefits of having an NGO Darpan Certificate. Some of the benefits are listed below in detail for one’s better understanding:
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Credibility & Trust: NGOs that have an NGO Darpan Certificate are automatically seen as more trustworthy and credible by donors and government agencies than those who don’t.
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Funding: Only NGOs who have gone through NGO Darpan registration are allowed to apply for various govt schemes and grants.
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Networking opportunities: The NGO Darpan Portal allows the NGOs to increase their visibility by presenting their best image forward which makes it easier for them to connect with various stakeholders.
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Simplified application for grants: The UIN makes the process of application for govt schemes and grants easier and more convenient.
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Compliance with norms: NGOs who have gone through NGO Darpan registration are updated with the latest govt. rules and policies so that they can work under the legal frame.
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NGO Darpan Certificate, NGOs need to ensure that they fit the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for successfully applying for the NGO Darpan Certificate are listed below:
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Organisations must be non-profit.
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NGOs must be actively working toward a cause.
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NGOs must be legally registered under the following acts:
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Societies Registration Act, 1860
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Indian Trust Act, 1882
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Companies Act, 2013 (Section 8)
Registration Process
New NGOs wanting to apply for an NGO Darpan Certificate can do so by following the below-mentioned steps:
Step 1: Visit the official NGO Darpan Portal and click on ‘Sign Up’ using your mail ID or phone number.
Step 2: After creating an account, fill in the registration form using the details of your NGO, like its registration number, PAN, etc.
Step 3: Upload the supporting relevant documents and apply.
Step 4: After successful submission, NITI Aayog will verify the details.
Step 5: Upon successful verification, the NGO will receive a UIN to complete the registration process and receive an NGO Darpan Certificate.
Registration Process For Already Signed-Up NGOs
Signed-up NGOs can apply for the registration process through the NGO Darpan Portal by following the below-mentioned steps. The process is straightforward, making it easier for people to register.
Step 1: Visit the official NGO Darpan Portal and click on ‘Sign In’ using your existing credentials.
Step 2: Check all the information regarding the NGO.
Step 3: The NGO should verify that their documents are updated, and if not, updated documents should be uploaded.
Step 4: After completing the updates, NGOs can submit the form.
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Documents Required
NGO Darpan registration documents are listed below. The documents are to be submitted along with the application form as proof and identity certificates.
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NGO Registration Certificate
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PAN card of the NGO
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Details of office bearers
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An annual report outlining the work of the NGO
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NGO’s bank details
Check Application Status
NGOs who applied for the NGO Darpan Certificate can see the status of their respective applications by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Step 2: Click on the ‘NGO Darpan for NEC’ option.
Step 3: Fill in your UID no. and application no. and it will show you the status of your application.
Conclusion
The NGO Darpan Certificate is an essential tool for NGOs/VOs in India who are looking to apply for government schemes and grants. It also helps them in establishing credibility and trust.
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