Mandatory registration of NGO with MCA to obtain CSR funding

As per notification issued by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) dated January 22, 2021, it is mandatory for all NGO’s which wants to raise CSR funding to file CSR -1. Now, the form for the same, CSR-1 has been made available from April 1, 2021 and no entity can receive funding without filing the same.

Type of NGO’s are eligible to file Form CSR-1 on MCA Portal for getting CSR funding

The following entities are required to file CSR-1:

(a) A company established under section 8 of the Companies Act (“Act”), or a registered public trust or a registered society, registered under section 12A and 80 G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), established by the company, either singly or along with any other company, or;

(b) A company established under section 8 of the Act or a registered trust or a registered society, established by the Central Government or State Government; or

(c) Any entity established under an Act of Parliament or a State legislature; or

(d) A company established under section 8 of the Act, or a registered public trust or a registered society, registered under section 12A and 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and having an established track record of at least three years in undertaking similar activities.

Documents required for filing Form CSR-1

The following documents are required for filing CSR -1:

1. Copy of PAN Card of the NGO;

2. Mail ID and Mobile Number;

3. Details of Governing Body Members;

4. Copy of Registration Certificate;

5. Digital Signature of the Authorised Person with his PAN Number.

Form CSR-1 is to be signed digitally by the authorised person of NGO and a practising professional. The Professional may be Chartered Accountant/ Company Secretary/ Cost Accountant who is in whole time practising, so NGOs cannot directly file Form CSR-1, they have to approach the professional for filing Form CSR-1.

This update is by Rohitaashv Sinha, Advocate & Associate Partner at Agarwal Jetley & Co., Advocates & Solicitors. Contact: Email: rohitaashv.sinha@agarwaljetley.com or Mob: (+91) - 9999565393