NGO Registration in Pune: Process, Documents, and Requirements

Pune has emerged as a significant hub for social entrepreneurship and charitable activities in India. The city’s vibrant ecosystem supports numerous NGOs working across education, healthcare, environmental conservation, women empowerment, and community development. If you’re planning to establish a non-profit organization in Pune, understanding the registration process is your first step toward creating meaningful social impact.

Maharashtra follows the Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950, for regulating charitable trusts and the Maharashtra Societies Registration Act for societies. The Joint Charity Commissioner’s office in Pune oversees trust and society registrations for the region. For those seeking corporate structure with higher credibility, Section 8 Company registration through MCA offers an alternative route. Each structure has distinct advantages depending on your organization’s objectives and operational scale.

Types of NGO Registration in Pune

Before initiating NGO Registration in Pune, you must choose the appropriate legal structure. Three options are available for non-profit organizations:

Public Charitable Trust

Governing Law: Bombay Public Trusts Act, 1950

Registration Authority: Joint Charity Commissioner, Pune

Minimum Members: 2 trustees (no maximum limit)

Trusts offer the simplest structure with minimal compliance requirements. Family members can serve as trustees, making it ideal for family-run charitable initiatives. The trust deed defines objectives, trustee powers, and operational guidelines.

Society

Governing Law: Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Maharashtra adaptation)

Registration Authority: Registrar of Societies / Charity Commissioner, Pune

Minimum Members: 7 persons from different families

Societies operate democratically with elected governing bodies. They’re suitable for membership-based organizations focused on education, sports, culture, or community welfare. Annual general meetings and periodic elections ensure member participation in governance.

Section 8 Company

Governing Law: Companies Act, 2013

Registration Authority: Registrar of Companies (ROC), Mumbai

Minimum Members: 2 directors and 2 shareholders

Section 8 Companies enjoy highest credibility among donors and funding agencies. They follow corporate governance standards with structured board meetings and audited accounts. For detailed information on this structure, visit https://www.patronaccounting.com/section-8-company-registration.

Charity Commissioner Office in Pune

The Joint Charity Commissioner’s office handles trust and society registrations for Pune region:

Address: Joint Charity Commissioner, Public Trusts Registration Office, Behind Mangaldas Police Chowki, 45/2, Late B. S. Dhole Patil Marg, Opp. Wadia College, Pune 411001

The office oversees registration, change requests, scheme amendments, and compliance matters for public trusts and societies in Pune district and surrounding areas.

Eligibility Criteria for NGO Registration

For Public Charitable Trust:

• Minimum 2 trustees (settlor and at least one trustee)
• All trustees must be above 18 years of age
• Charitable objectives as defined under the BPT Act
• Valid registered office address in Maharashtra

For Society:

• Minimum 7 members from different families
• Members must be Indian citizens above 18 years
• Non-profit objectives aligned with Section 20 of Societies Act
• Governing body with President, Secretary, and Treasurer

For Section 8 Company:

• Minimum 2 directors (at least one Indian resident)
• Minimum 2 shareholders
• Objects promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, or charity
• Profits applied solely toward promoting objectives

Documents Required for NGO Registration in Pune

Identity Documents:

• PAN Card of all trustees/members/directors
• Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License
• Passport-size photographs of all members

Address Proof of Members:

• Recent utility bill (electricity, water, telephone)
• Bank statement not older than 2 months

Registered Office Documents:

• Proof of office address (utility bill or property tax receipt)
• NOC from property owner if rented premises
• Rent agreement or ownership documents

Constitution Documents:

• Trust Deed on stamp paper (for trusts)
• Memorandum of Association and Rules & Regulations (for societies)
• MOA, AOA, and Director declarations (for Section 8 Companies)

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Trust Registration Process

1. Draft Trust Deed on appropriate stamp paper (stamp duty varies by trust corpus value)
2. Get Trust Deed executed before a Notary Public
3. Prepare Schedule II application form with court fee stamp of ₹100
4. Submit application to Joint Charity Commissioner within 3 months of trust creation
5. Attach covering letter, affidavit, and consent letters from trustees
6. Receive Registration Certificate upon verification and approval

Society Registration Process

1. Finalize society name and verify availability
2. Draft Memorandum of Association with objectives and member details
3. Prepare Rules and Regulations governing society operations
4. Conduct first meeting and elect governing body members
5. Submit documents to Charity Commissioner with prescribed fees
6. Obtain Registration Certificate after verification

Section 8 Company Registration Process

1. Obtain Digital Signature Certificates for proposed directors
2. Apply for name reservation through RUN service on MCA portal
3. File Form INC-12 for Section 8 license application
4. Draft MOA and AOA as per Section 8 requirements
5. File SPICe+ form for incorporation after license approval
6. Receive Certificate of Incorporation from ROC Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NGO structure is best for Pune-based organizations?

The choice depends on your objectives. Trusts offer simplicity with minimal compliance. Societies suit membership-based organizations. Section 8 Companies provide highest credibility for large-scale operations.

Where is the Charity Commissioner office located in Pune?

The Joint Charity Commissioner’s office is located at 45/2, Late B. S. Dhole Patil Marg, Behind Mangaldas Police Chowki, Opposite Wadia College, Pune 411001.

Can family members be trustees in a charitable trust?

Yes, family members can serve as trustees in a public charitable trust. This flexibility makes trusts popular for family-run charitable initiatives.

How many members are required to form a society in Pune?

Minimum 7 members from different families are required to form a society under the Societies Registration Act in Maharashtra.

How long does trust registration take in Pune?

Trust registration typically takes 15-30 days from application submission, provided all documents are complete and in order.