Thanks to the wonderful power of democracy, and a recent comment by our BK supporter friend moreclearernow, it's been brought to my attention that following a recent court decision the 'Application for Information under Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005' (Full act) now applies to charitable institutions such as the Brahma Kumaris run.
Therefore ... a 'Right To Information Activist (India)' is wanted to research the financial position of the BKWSU and all its ancillary business and establishments! Does anyone feel like investing a little time and a few rupees here and there to find out the BKs response? See note below, unfortunately it needs an Indian citizen to do so.
Ramesh Shah would be the person to approach and his details are:
I can help as much as I can but it will need an Indian citizen to take up the initiative.
Thank you
Therefore ... a 'Right To Information Activist (India)' is wanted to research the financial position of the BKWSU and all its ancillary business and establishments! Does anyone feel like investing a little time and a few rupees here and there to find out the BKs response? See note below, unfortunately it needs an Indian citizen to do so.
- • A guide on Right to Information is, here.
Other advice is available, here:
• Ask for Framing an RTI Question
• How to get information of private entity under RTI?
• Time limits specified in the RTI Act
Private Charitable Institutions receiving Govt. Funds, Assistance, Grants, concessions etc are liable to provide information under the RTI Act. But you can always seek information on these organisation through the Charity Commission. All such organisations are required to file some details of their activities like Annual Report, Financial Accounts, Membership details etc. etc.
Ramesh Shah would be the person to approach and his details are:
- Ramesh N. Shah,
Managing Trustee,
World Renewal Spiritual Trust,
121, M. G. Road, 1st Floor, Agra Building,
Above Bank of Baroda, F. U. Branch,
Mumbai - 400023 (Mah)
Off. Tel : 022- 22625825, 22625827
Res. Tel: 022- 23515805, 23515806
Fax: 022-22623919
Mob:9869454511, 9920675377
Email : rameshah@vsnl.com rameshah@gmail.com
- • What is the total annual income of the Brahma Kumaris?
• How much are the cash reserves and investments of the BKWSU?
• What is the value of their property portfolio?
• What is the value of the gold, jewellery and other non-financial assets they hold in their vaults (including that white Rolls Royce we showed)?
• a List of all and any subsidiary trusts, corporations and companies.
• An estimate of what percentage of it is accounted for legitimately and how big is the black economy within the BK movement, e.g. center-in-charges taking donations but not filing accounts?
I can help as much as I can but it will need an Indian citizen to take up the initiative.
Thank you
Charitable institutions to come under RTI scanner, May 10 2011
From now on, charitable institutions will come under the purview of the Right To Information (RTI) Act — following a decision taken by the the State Information Commission of Punjab in this connection. Now, all such information will have to be provided within 15 days of one moves an RTI application.
The decision comes after a year of struggle by RTI activists Ajit Singh and Harmanjit Singh under the banner of RTI activists Federation.
In Maharashtra State IC has ruled that if the charitable institutes registered with charity commissioner under Bombay Public Trust Act, and if they have been granted any legacy, including income tax exemption under section 80 of Income Tax Act, they are public authorities and are required to appoint Public Information Officer and First Appellate Authority.
An "Application for Information under RTI Act 2005", should contain a declaration to the effect that the applicant is a citizen of India and a DD/IPO for Rs. 10/=