Patna : The Bihar Registration Department has issued an ultimatum to thousands of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the state, warning that those who fail to submit their mandatory annual filings by May 31 will face cancellation of their registration.
According to departmental officials, many of these organisations have not filed reports for over five years, despite legal obligations requiring them to do so annually. The required submissions include audit reports, Form C, annual activity summaries, and disclosures related to foreign contributions. From now on, the department will no longer accept physical submissions; all documentation must be uploaded via the designated online portal.
The move is part of a broader push to increase transparency and accountability among registered NGOs in Bihar. Currently, the state has thousands of such organisations operating in various sectors, including health, education, environment and social welfare. However, authorities have raised concerns about a lack of regulatory compliance, with many institutions failing to provide even basic documentation.
“This is the final opportunity for these organisations to meet their statutory obligations,” a department spokesperson said. “Failure to comply will result in cancellation of registration without further notice.”
NGOs play a critical role in addressing social, economic and environmental issues in partnership with the government and private sector. However, the department stressed that accountability is key to ensuring these organisations continue to serve the public interest effectively.
Under Indian law, NGOs receiving foreign funding must also file returns under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), further underscoring the importance of regular reporting.
