Penal action would be initiated if donations are sought without the due permission of the Charity Commissioner’s Office during the upcoming Ganeshotsav. Any board collecting such donations has been appealed to take appropriate permission, else one can be imprisoned and fined under Section 41-F of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950.
It is mandatory to inform the Charity Commissioner’s Office about the purpose for which such collection is being made. And the office will grant permission subject to the terms and conditions if he deems fit.
As per Section 41-A of the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, if any person, even if such person is not a public trust registered under this Act, intends to collect any amount, subscription, donation or other property for a religious or charitable purpose must comply with the rules made by the Charity Commissioner Office.
The following documents are required while submitting the online application for permission include -
> Official identity card of the member of the public Ganeshotsav Mandal (Aadhaar card/PAN card/driving license/voter identity card).
> Consent letter of ownership of the land / No Objection Certificate from the Municipal Corporation / Municipal Council / Gram Panchayat.
> Resolution to establish the Mandal.
> Previous year's income and expenditure account, that is the audit report of an authorised auditor or chartered accountant if more than Rs. 5,000.
“To obtain this permission, Ganesh Mandals or individuals should submit a formal application on the website of the Charity Commissioner's Office and obtain permission. If any Mandal is found to be collecting donations without taking permission from the Charity Department, action will be taken against such Mandals as there is a provision for imprisonment with fine as per Section 41-F,” said Pranitha Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner, Charity, Nashik Division.
