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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 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?

Consider the following statements about public sector organisations:
i. The government holds either full or partial ownership of public sector organisations.
ii. Their primary motive is to generate maximum profits for the government.
iii. They provide services in areas such as healthcare, education, and transportation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Which of the following statements is/are correct about private sector organisations?
i. They can raise capital through loans, shares, and debentures.
ii. They are completely free from government regulations.
iii. They focus on customer needs to ensure long-term survival.
iv. They include entities like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and multinational corporations.

Which of the following pairs are correctly matched according to private organisation partnership types ?

  1. Sole Proprietorship - A law firm
  2. Partnership - A local bakery
  3. Corporation - Google

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

    1. Organisations like Akshaya Patra Foundation and Goonj focus on addressing social issues like hunger and clothing poverty.

    2. All NPOs in India must operate under government control to maintain their tax-exempt status.