Question 1

What is the full form of Darpan?

Accepted Answer

While 'DARPAN' is an acronym for other government projects, for the NGO portal, it is not an acronym. It is understood by its name, 'NGO Darpan,' where 'Darpan' is a Hindi word meaning 'mirror,' reflecting the NGO sector.

Question 2

What is Darpan ID?

Accepted Answer

A Darpan ID (also referred to as a Unique ID or UIN) is a unique identification number issued to an NGO or VO upon successful registration on the NGO Darpan portal. This ID serves as a crucial identifier for the organization when interacting with government agencies, particularly for applying for grants and other benefits.

Question 3

Why is a Darpan certificate required?

Accepted Answer

A Darpan certificate (or the unique Darpan ID) is required for several key reasons:

Accessing Government Grants: It is often a mandatory prerequisite for NGOs and VOs to apply for grants, funding, and assistance from various central and state government ministries and departments.
Enhanced Credibility: Registration on the portal builds trustworthiness and credibility for NGOs/VOs in the eyes of government bodies, corporate funders (for CSR), and the public.
Transparency and Accountability: It promotes transparency by allowing for a centralized database of NGOs and their information, fostering better oversight and accountability.
Information Exchange: It enables seamless data sharing between NGOs and government agencies, keeping organizations updated on new government programs and initiatives.
FCRA Compliance: It is mandatory for NGOs seeking Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration or renewal.

Question 4

Who is required to register on the NGO Darpan portal?

Accepted Answer

Any legally registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or Voluntary Organization (VO) that intends to seek government grants, partner with government departments, or increase its transparency and credibility is encouraged to register. This typically includes:

Societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (or state equivalents).
Public Charitable Trusts registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 (or state-specific Public Trusts Acts).
Section 8 Companies incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013 (for non-profit purposes).

Question 5

What are the documents required for Darpan registration?

Accepted Answer

You will need the NGO's PAN card, registration certificate, and details of key functionaries, among others. See the full, detailed list in our Documents Required section.

Question 6

How much does Darpan registration cost?

Accepted Answer

Darpan registration on the official NGO Darpan portal is completely free of cost. There are no government fees involved. If you engage a professional service provider for assistance, they will charge their professional fees.

Question 7

What is the process of Darpan registration?

Accepted Answer

The process of Darpan registration is entirely online and generally involves these steps:

Visit the NGO Darpan Portal: Go to the official website: ngodarpan.gov.in.
Sign Up/Register: Create an account by providing basic details like the NGO's name, PAN number, and Chief Functionary's details (mobile number and email).
OTP Verification: Verify the details using an OTP sent to the registered mobile number/email.
Fill Online Application Form: Log in and complete the detailed online application form. This includes providing comprehensive information about the organization's registration, management, activities, and financial status, and uploading the required documents.
Submission: Submit the filled application form and uploaded documents.
Verification: The submitted information undergoes verification by the concerned authorities.
Issuance of Darpan ID: Upon successful verification, a Unique Identification Number (UIN), i.e., the Darpan ID, is issued and usually sent to the registered email address.

Question 8

How do I get a Darpan registration certificate PDF?

Accepted Answer

After successful registration and issuance of your Darpan ID, you can download your Darpan registration certificate from the portal:

Visit the NGO Darpan Portal and log in to your account using your registered email/Darpan ID and password.
Navigate to the Dashboard or a section typically labeled "Download Certificate" or "My Profile."
Select Your Organization (if you have multiple registrations linked to one login).
Generate and download the certificate as a PDF file.
Verify the details on the downloaded certificate, including the unique ID, organization name, and registration date.
You will receive the certificate in a PDF format, which can then be printed as desired.

Question 9

How many days will it take to get a Darpan ID?

Accepted Answer

The time taken to get a Darpan ID can vary. While some sources claim it can be as quick as 2-7 working days if all documents are accurate and the information is complete, it can sometimes take a few weeks, depending on the verification process and any potential queries from the authorities. Providing accurate and clear documents is crucial for a swift process.

Question 10

What is the validity of the Darpan registration?

Accepted Answer

The Darpan ID issued to an NGO/VO generally remains valid indefinitely. It is a one-time registration process. However, organizations are required to regularly update their information on the portal, especially details of their governing body, contact information, and annual financial statements, to ensure continued eligibility for government grants and to maintain transparency.

Question 11

Can I update my information on the NGO Darpan portal?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can and should update your information on the NGO Darpan portal. It is crucial to keep your organization's profile updated with the latest details regarding your governing body, contact information, activities, projects, and financial statements. You can do this by logging into your account on the portal.

Question 12

Is Darpan registration mandatory for 80G?

Accepted Answer

While Darpan registration isn't directly a part of the 80G approval process itself, it is becoming increasingly important. If an NGO has or is applying for 12A and 80G registration, Darpan registration is highly recommended and often crucial for engaging with government bodies and for enhanced credibility, which indirectly supports the overall compliance and operational framework that 80 G-approved organizations benefit from.
For certain government grants that may require a Darpan ID, having both 80G and Darpan registration would be beneficial.

Question 13

Is NGO Darpan Registration mandatory for receiving foreign contributions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NGO Darpan Registration is mandatory for NGOs seeking Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration or renewal. It is a prerequisite for compliance with FCRA and related banking regulations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Question 14

What to do if my NGO Darpan application is rejected?

Accepted Answer

If your NGO Darpan application is rejected, you will typically receive a notification stating the reasons for the rejection. You should:

Carefully review the rejection notice to understand the specific issues or discrepancies.
Rectify the identified issues, which could include correcting incorrect information, uploading clearer or missing documents, or addressing any other non-compliance.
Reapply after making the necessary corrections. It's advisable to cross-check all details before resubmitting.

Question 15

Is there an annual compliance required following NGO Darpan registration?

Accepted Answer

While there isn't a specific "annual compliance" fee or renewal process for Darpan registration itself (the Darpan ID is generally perpetual), NGOs are expected to keep their profile information updated annually on the portal. This includes updating details of the governing body (if changes occur), contact information, and uploading annual reports and audited financial statements. This ongoing update ensures transparency and continued eligibility for government grants.

Darpan Registration for NGOs in India

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)