Procedure for Registering a Charitable Society in Kerala

The registration of a charitable society involves several steps, from drafting the memorandum and rules to submitting the application to the Registrar of Societies.

• 1. Drafting the Memorandum of Association (MoA):

  The first step in registering a charitable society is drafting the Memorandum of Association (MoA). The MoA serves as the society's constitution and outlines its objectives, the names of the society’s members, and the roles and responsibilities of the governing body. The MoA must include:

  • * Name of the Society: The name should be unique and not similar to any existing society registered in Kerala.
  • * Registered Office: The address of the society’s registered office.
  • * Aims and Objectives: A clear statement of the society’s charitable objectives.
  • * Names, Addresses, and Occupations of the Members: A list of the society’s founding members (at least seven), along with their details.
  • * Governing Body: Details of the governing body members, including their roles (e.g., President, Secretary, Treasurer).
• 2. Drafting the Rules and Regulations:

  Along with the MoA, the society must draft its Rules and Regulations, which detail how the society will be managed. This document typically includes:

  • * Membership Criteria: Who can become a member, the process for admission, and the rights and duties of members.
  • * Meetings: Guidelines for holding general body meetings, annual meetings, and managing committee meetings.
  • * Finance and Accounts: Procedures for managing the society’s funds, including the opening of bank accounts, auditing, and submission of financial reports.
  • * Amendment Procedures: How the MoA and Rules can be amended.
  • * Dissolution: Conditions under which the society may be dissolved and how the assets will be managed upon dissolution.
• 3. Preparation of Required Documents:

  The following documents are necessary for registering a charitable society in Kerala:

  • * Memorandum of Association (MoA): Two copies, signed by all the founding members.
  • * Rules and Regulations: Two copies, signed by all the founding members.
  • * Affidavit: An affidavit from the President or Secretary stating that the society is formed for a lawful purpose and is not involved in any unlawful activities.
  • * Address Proof: Proof of the registered office's address, such as a rental agreement or utility bill.
  • * ID Proof of Members: Copies of the identity proofs of all founding members (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport).
• 4. Filing the Application with the Registrar of Societies:

  The application for registration must be submitted to the Registrar of Societies in the district where the society’s registered office is located. The application should include:

  • * Covering Letter: A letter requesting the registration of the society, signed by the President or Secretary.
  • * Memorandum of Association (MoA): Two copies,
  • * Rules and Regulations: Two copies,
  • * Affidavit: Duly notarized.
  • * Address Proof: For the registered office.
  • * ID Proof of Members: : Copies of identity documents of all founding members.

  The application must be submitted along with the prescribed fee, which can be paid via demand draft, challan, or other accepted methods.

• 5. Payment of Registration Fees:

  The registration fee for a charitable society in Kerala is nominal and may vary slightly depending on the district. The fee is typically around ₹100 to ₹500.

• 6. Verification and Issuance of Certificate of Registration:

  Once the application is submitted, the Registrar of Societies will examine the documents. If everything is in order, the Registrar will register the society by entering the details into the Register of Societies and issuing a Certificate of Registration. This certificate is proof of the society’s legal existence and allows it to function as a registered entity.