Dimapur, September 23 (MExN): Are there too many associations, organisations and unions mushrooming?
This was one of the key issues discussed during the monthly meeting of the District Planning & Development Board (DPDB), Dimapur, on September 23 as members highlighted the need for proper verification of unions, societies and welfare organisations before registration, with a view to safeguarding small businesses and protecting public interest.
As per the State DIPR, it was informed during the meeting that the district administration had received representations regarding the registration of various unions and societies and their activities after registration.
Officials observed that while many organisations fulfilled the existing requirements under the Society Registration Act, some organisations were reportedly engaging in activities beyond their stated objectives, affecting businesses and the general public, it said.
The meeting also noted that a number of applications were pending verification, and field verification was being conducted to ascertain whether the organisations were functioning properly and had genuine offices and activities.
Meanwhile, members also raised concerns over the mushrooming of unions and associations in different localities and the collection of various fees or charges from businesses.
Accordingly, they stressed the need for clearer and stricter regulations to prevent misuse of registration provisions and protect businesses from unwarranted demands.
The Board also discussed the need for periodic renewal and verification of registered societies, and suggestions were made for clear guidelines and a uniform checklist to be issued by the Home Department so that district administrations could follow standard procedures while processing applications.
However, members stressed that genuine organisations should not be denied registration because of the activities of others.
At the same time, it was noted that stricter scrutiny and monitoring were necessary to ensure that registered organisations functioned according to their stated objectives.
After the discussion, the DPDB decided to recommend the matter to the Home Department, seeking clear directives and stricter conditions for the registration and renewal of societies and associations.
It was also suggested that organisations seeking registration in areas connected with specific departments should obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned department wherever necessary.
This, members felt, would help prevent duplication of organisations and ensure proper coordination with relevant departments, the State DIPR added.
