1.29L trusts, NGOS deregistered in state

MUMBAI: The state commissioner on Thursday deregistered more than 1.29 lakh trusts for not submitting the audit and change reports to notify appointment of new trustees.

Among the deregistered trusts, 9,357 trusts are from Greater Mumbai region.

“It is a clear violation of Maharashtra Public Trust Act because these errant trusts have not been submitting their annual account statements since five years,” said Shivkumar Dige, charity commissioner.

“Show-cause notice has also been issued to several non-governmental organisations (NGOS) whose present status of office-bearers, certificate of registration and account statement is not available with us,” said Dige.

Dige added that out of those who have been deregistered, most of the trusts are engaged in education and health activities.

As per the Maharashtra Public Trust Act 1950, all registered trusts have to submit reports to the charity commissioner every five years.

According to details available at the charity commissioner’s office, there are around 7.5 lakh NGOS in the state, of which 1.25 lakh are in Mumbai.

However, Dige said that if these trusts submit a ‘proper report’ with complete documents, they can register themselves again.

More than a year ago, when punitive action was taken for the first time for similar violations, around 60,000 trusts were deregistered for committing similar violations.