Society Registration Jharkhand

Introduction to Society Registration in Jharkhand

Society Registration in Jharkhand is governed by the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It allows groups of individuals with common interests, objectives, or goals to form societies for various social, cultural, educational, or charitable purposes.

Importance of Society Registration

Society registration offers legal recognition and protection to groups of individuals coming together to pursue common goals. It provides a formal structure for governance, fundraising, and administration, enhancing credibility and transparency.

Types of Societies in Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, societies can be categorized based on their objectives and activities:

1. Charitable Societies: Engaged in charitable activities such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, etc.
2. Cultural Societies: Promote cultural activities, art, literature, and heritage preservation.
3. Educational Societies: Establish and manage educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and vocational training centers.
4. Sports Societies: Promote sports and physical fitness activities, organize events, and support athletes.
5. Welfare Societies: Work for the welfare and upliftment of marginalized communities, women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Eligibility Criteria for Society Registration

To register a society in Jharkhand, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• The society must have at least seven individuals above the age of 18 years.
• The objectives and activities of the society must be lawful and non-profit in nature.
• The society’s name must not be similar to that of any existing society or registered trademark.

Documents Required for Society Registration

The documents required for society registration in Jharkhand include:

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) specifying the objectives, rules, and regulations of the society.
• Articles of Association (AOA) outlining the governing structure and operational framework.
• Address proof of the registered office.
• Identity proof and address proof of the founding members.
• Passport-sized photographs of the founding members.

Step-by-Step Guide to Society Registration in Jharkhand

Follow these steps to register a society in Jharkhand:

1. Select a unique name for the society and conduct a name availability search.
2. Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA) in accordance with the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
3. Obtain signature and consent from at least seven founding members.
4. Prepare the required documents and application forms.
5. Submit the application along with the prescribed fee to the Registrar of Societies.
6. The Registrar will verify the documents and issue the Certificate of Registration upon approval.

Benefits of Society Registration

• Legal Recognition: Registered societies enjoy legal recognition and status, enhancing credibility and legitimacy.
• Tax Benefits: Societies registered under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act are eligible for tax exemptions on their income.
• Fundraising: Registered societies can raise funds through donations, grants, and sponsorships for their charitable activities.
• Governance Structure: Society registration establishes a formal governance structure, facilitating effective administration and decision-making.
• Perpetual Succession: A registered society enjoys perpetual succession, ensuring continuity of operations even in the event of changes in membership.

FAQs on Society Registration in Jharkhand

Q1: Can a society be registered with less than seven members in Jharkhand? A1: No, a society must have a minimum of seven members to be eligible for registration in Jharkhand.

Q2: How long does it take to register a society in Jharkhand? A2: The registration process typically takes 15-30 days, subject to the completion of all formalities and verification by the Registrar.

Q3: Can a registered society operate outside Jharkhand? A3: Yes, a registered society in Jharkhand can operate across India, subject to compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Q4: Can a society registered in Jharkhand receive foreign donations? A4: Yes, registered societies in Jharkhand can receive foreign donations with prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

Q5: Can a society registered in Jharkhand be dissolved or canceled? A5: Yes, a society can be dissolved or canceled voluntarily by its members or by order of the Registrar for non-compliance with statutory requirements.

Q6: Is it necessary for a society to have a bank account? A6: Yes, a registered society must have a bank account in its name to manage its finances and transactions.

Q7: Can the objectives of a registered society be amended? A7: Yes, the objectives of a registered society can be amended by passing a resolution at a general meeting and obtaining approval from the Registrar.

Q8: Are there any annual compliance requirements for registered societies in Jharkhand? A8: Yes, registered societies are required to file annual returns and maintain proper accounts and records as per the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Q9: Can an individual be a member of multiple registered societies in Jharkhand? A9: Yes, an individual can be a member of multiple registered societies in Jharkhand, subject to the rules and regulations of each society.

Q10: Is it possible to convert an unregistered society into a registered one in Jharkhand? A10: Yes, an unregistered society can be converted into a registered one by following the prescribed procedures under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Conclusion

Society registration in Jharkhand offers numerous benefits for groups of individuals seeking to pursue common social, cultural, educational, or charitable objectives. By following the prescribed procedures and meeting the eligibility criteria, aspiring societies can obtain legal recognition and embark on their journey towards making a positive impact on society. With a formal governance structure in place, registered societies in Jharkhand can contribute effectively to the welfare and development of the community.