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With reference to Non-Profit Organisations, which of the following statements are correct?

  1. NPOs are expected to be value-based and serve public or social purposes.

  2. They are legally required to distribute profits to shareholders.

  3. Examples include organisations like Pratham and Teach For India, which focus on education.

A1 and 2

B1 and 3

C2 and 3

DAll are correct

Answer:

B. 1 and 3

Read Explanation:

Understanding Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)

  • An NPO, also known as a non-profit institution or charitable organization, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or social benefit, rather than for the profit of its members, directors, or officers.

Core Characteristics of NPOs:

  • Value-Based and Public Service: NPOs are inherently established to serve public or social purposes, often addressing issues like education, health, environmental protection, human rights, poverty alleviation, and arts & culture. Their operations are guided by their mission and values, aiming to create a positive societal impact rather than financial gain for owners.

  • Non-Distribution Constraint: A fundamental principle of NPOs is the non-distribution constraint. This means that any surplus revenue (often mistakenly called 'profit') generated by the organization must be reinvested back into the organization to further its mission. It cannot be distributed as dividends or profits to shareholders, owners, or members. This distinguishes them sharply from for-profit companies.

  • Funding Sources: NPOs primarily rely on donations, grants from foundations, government funding, membership fees, and sometimes revenue from related activities (e.g., ticket sales for a museum) that directly support their mission.

Examples of NPOs in India:

  • Pratham: This is one of India's largest non-governmental organizations working to provide quality education to underprivileged children. It focuses on improving foundational literacy and numeracy skills through various innovative programs.

  • Teach For India: Part of the global 'Teach For All' network, Teach For India recruits college graduates and young professionals to serve as full-time teachers in low-income schools for two years. Their aim is to build a movement of leaders committed to ending educational inequity.

  • Other notable examples include CRY (Child Rights and You), Akshaya Patra Foundation (mid-day meal program), Goonj (clothing and rural development), and numerous other trusts, societies, and Section 8 companies.

Legal Structures of NPOs in India:

  • In India, NPOs can be registered under various legal frameworks, including:

    • Trusts: Governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or state-specific trust acts). Public charitable trusts are common.

    • Societies: Registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. These are typically member-based organizations.

    • Section 8 Companies: Incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (formerly Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956). These are companies formed with the objective of promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of environment, etc., and intend to apply their profits, if any, or other income in promoting their objects, and prohibit the payment of any dividend to their members


Related Questions:

Consider the following statements about the New Economic Policy of 1991:
i. It led to the opening of most industries to private sector participation.
ii. It resulted in a significant increase in the size and growth rate of the Indian economy.
iii. It eliminated all public sector organisations in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements about non-profit organisations:
i. They are value-based and focus on public or social purposes.
ii. They are required to distribute excess funds to their employees.
iii. Examples include organisations like Akshaya Patra and HelpAge India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Statement: Private sector organizations are not secure in terms of employment stability.
Assertion: Non-performance or cost-cutting measures can lead to employee termination in private sector organizations.
Which of the following is correct?

Choose the correct statement(s) regarding Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).

  1. NPOs are legally exempt from paying taxes and use excess funds for developmental activities rather than distributing them to shareholders.

  2. All NPOs in India are referred to as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in international relations.

Consider the following propositions in connection with private sector organizations:
(i) Private sector organizations can be sole proprietorships, partnerships, or multinational corporations.
(ii) Private sector organizations rely solely on government funding for their operations.
(iii) The New Economic Policy of 1991 significantly increased private sector participation in the Indian economy.
(iv) Private sector organizations prioritize employee seniority over merit for promotions.

Which of the following is correct?