Article I
1. Name, Place, Business Year
The Trust is called “CCLP Worldwide”. It is founded as an international Charitable Trust. The Trust has its registered office in 17 Tara Chand Dutt Street Kolkata 700073. The name and place of the trust may change as decided. The business year of the Trust is the calendar year.
Article II
2. The object of the Trust
The Purpose of the Trust is to promote the need of higher education for youth and take effort to educate the underprivileged and needy youth to help build a world in which every youth become accessible to higher education at affordable price and Trust unites to help them achieve the future. Recognizing the global dynamics of Education availability, the Trust acts both at the international and, through its Regional and National chapters at the regional or national level to spread and ignite the social awareness of educating the youth for better livelihood. The Trust does this in particular by:
2.1 Promotion of Education Charter International
2.2 Raising Public Awareness of the occurrence and impact of low accessibility of Higher Education
2.3 Developing International coalitions to address Higher Education
2.4 Developing and disseminating tools to affect it
2.5 Promoting transparency and accountability in spreading the mantra of higher Education
2.6 Monitoring the availability of quality education to youth
2.7 Supporting institutions and mechanisms to combat it.
2.8 Promoting and advancing the scope and policies of Higher Education for better livelihood
2.9 Conducting seminars, workshop and other events to promote the education for better livelihood
2.10 To institute awards to recognize the efforts and works of individuals and organizations towards the social cause.
2.11 Publishing literature and journals to promote the objects
Article II (A)
Other Objects of the Trust
Article III
3. Non-Profit-Making Purpose of the Trust
The Trust will pursue exclusively and directly non-profit making goals in accordance with the law of origin Country. The Trust will act altruistically; its primary motive is not profit-oriented. The funds of the Trust may only be used for the stated purposes of the Trust pursuant to this Charter. Members of the Trust shall not, in that capacity, receive allocations from Trust funds. No individual may benefit from these funds through expenditure which is not in line with the purpose of the Trust, or through disproportionately high remuneration. Should the Trust be dissolved, or when the tax exemption status is revoked, the assets of the Trust are to be used for donating to other registered Trust of the same objectives.
Article IV
4. Founding principles
4.1 United Nations Declaration of Higher Education for the twenty-first century
4.2 United Nations Global compact Ten principles
4.3 Declaration of Higher Education for Sustainable better livelihood
Article V
5. Organs of the Trust
The Organs of the Trust are the Annual Membership Meeting –which comprises the Board of Trustees, the International Council – Board Of Governors, Regional Representative (Continent representative) and Advisory Council Members, World Council – Country and City Representative, Chapters-Regional and National or Local Chapters and the Individual and Organizations Members.
Article VI
6. Board of Trustees
Following are the founding trustees of the trust for life
- Vikrant Singh
- Vinod Singh
- Shailendra Kumar
Article VII
7. International Council
The members of Board of Governors, Regional representative and members of Advisory Council constitute the International Council. The International Council shall be the governing body of the trust.
Article VIII
8. World Council
The country and City representative of the Organizations constitute the World Council. The world Council acts as a platform to discuss any matters relevant to its member.
Article IX
9. National and Regional Chapters
The Trust will encourage the establishment of National and Regional or local Chapters within appropriate frameworks. The form and organization of these chapters will vary depending on the country or region concerned, and the relevant local legal system. Regional Chapters may also be established in appropriate circumstances.
Article X
10. Membership
Membership is open to organizations and individuals of recognized integrity from diverse geographical, cultural and professional backgrounds that acknowledge the Charter of the Trust and are committed to the active promotion and realization of its goals. The membership comprises accredited National and Regional Chapters, Individual Members and recognized Trust and Societies (NGO). Membership is granted by decision of the International Council. An accreditation policy for National and Regional Chapters and an appointment policy for Individual Members and NGOs will be decided by the Membership Meeting, upon a proposal by the International Council, and may be revised from time to time. These policies shall also provide a mechanism to appeal against decisions of the International Council concerning suspension, dis-accreditation, and removal. Each accredited Regional or National Chapter shall appoint one of its officers or members by resolution of its board to represent it at Membership Meetings. The appointed person shall be referred to as the Official Chapter representative.
Article XI
11. Supporters and Honorary Members
The status of Supporter is open to governments and government agencies, corporate or other business entities, organizations and individuals. Supporters are expected to make available to the Trust funds and/or material assistance for its activities, above and beyond acknowledging their support for the objectives of the Trust. Supporters are entitled to be informed as to the activities of the Trust and to attend the Membership Meetings. They have no voting rights and shall not be counted towards the quorum at Membership Meetings, but they may assist with the work of the Trust in an advisory capacity. Individuals or bodies may apply to become Supporters by declaring in writing to the Chairperson their willingness to further the work of the Trust. Their applications are subject to approval by the Board of Governors. Individuals who have distinguished themselves in the fight against low accessibility of education to youth may be appointed Honorary Members by the Board of Governors. Honorary Members do not have voting rights and shall not be counted towards the quorum at Membership Meetings. The status of Supporter or Honorary Member may be terminated by the Board of Governors at any time in its sole discretion.
Article XII
12. Termination of Membership
12.1. Membership terminates:
12.1(1) In the case of Individual Members upon death and in the case of National Chapters upon dissolution or dis-accreditation
12.1(2) Upon voluntary withdrawal (by the declaration of withdrawal in writing to the Secretary-General, or at the expiry of the specified membership term)
12.1(3) Upon expulsion
12.1(4) Upon dissolution of the Trust.
12.2. All membership rights cease with the termination of membership. Membership fees owed to the Trust remain to be paid.
Article XIII
13. Membership Fees
Members of the Trust must pay annual membership fees. The Membership Meeting shall determine the fees (if any) payable by Members and the date by which such fees shall be payable.
Article XIV
14. The Executive (The International Council)
The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall comprise the executive (International Council) of the Trust for purposes chairing the general meeting. The Membership Meeting may decide that an allowance may be paid to the Chair to enable him or her to undertake the tasks of that role. The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the Membership Meeting from among the Official Chapter Representatives and the Individual Members for a three-year term. They shall be eligible for re-election for a maximum of a further four terms but will not be eligible for re-election for a Fifth term if they had earlier served for four terms as an ordinary Board member. The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall, however, remain in office until another Executive is elected. If the position of Chair becomes vacant for any reason, the Vice-Chair should act as Chair until the next Annual Membership Meeting. If the positions of both Chair and Vice-Chair become vacant for any reason, the remaining Board members should elect one of their members to be Chair until the next Annual Membership Meeting.
Article XV
15. Appointment and Powers of Secretary-General
15.1 The Executive, in order to perform its duties, appoint, with the approval of the Board of Governors, Secretary-General, Asst Secretary-General and Under-Secretary-General for the smooth running of day to day affair of the trust and working of Secretariat office. The Secretary-General shall be the head of the secretariat office of the Trust. The member of Board of Governors may be appointed as Secretary-General of the Trust and any member or chapter representative or paid Secretariat staff may be appointed as Asst. Secretary-General or Under-Secretary-General by Board of Governors in consultation with the Secretary-General.
15.2 The Secretary-General shall have the rights to attend and vote at the annual membership meeting.
15.3 The Secretary-General shall have the right to speak for the trust
15.4 The day to day affair of the trust and running of the secretariat office shall be the responsibility of the Secretary-General.
Article XVI
16. Structure, election, Appointments and procedure of meeting of International Council
Decisions of the Executive are taken at meetings convened by the Chairperson or by teleconferencing, fax, post or e-mail. The Executive may provide for its own procedures. In the event of the Executive being unable to reach a unanimous decision, voting may be done by the member of the International Council.
The International Council comprises the Governors of the International Council (Executive) and between two and thirteen additional members selected by invitation sent from International Council or elected by the Membership Meeting from among the Official Chapter Representatives and the individual Members. Members of the International Council shall be elected or appointed for a three-year term. Retiring members are eligible for re-election for a second term, but must retire for at least one year before being eligible for re-election for a final third term as a Director. The Chairperson, or in his or her absence the Vice-Chairperson, shall serve as chairperson and vice-chairperson respectively of the International Council. The International Council shall make decisions at meetings convened by the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson. At least two-week’ written notice (or as decided time to time) shall be given along with an agenda. If all members of the International Council agree, formal requirements and periods of notice may be waived. As an alternative to meetings convened, the International Council may determine procedures to conduct official business by teleconferencing, fax, post or e-mail. If a decision is to be made by any of the above means, all members of the International Council have to be informed in writing about decisions to be tabled at least one week in advance. A quorum consists of two-thirds of the Members of the Board of Governors, including at least one member of the Executive. Decisions are made by majority voting; in the event of there being no majority, the Chairperson, or in his or her absence the Vice-Chairperson, has a casting vote. Members of the International Council unable to attend a meeting may by written notice to the Chairperson appoint another member of the International Council as their proxy to vote on their behalf and will, in this case, be included in the quorum. Minutes will be kept of the decisions made and signed by the minute-taker and by the person who chaired the meeting. Members of the International Council may only be removed during their term by a resolution of the Membership Meeting. In the event of an unanticipated vacancy on the Board, the seat shall be filled for a full three-year term by election at the next Membership Meeting.
Article XVII
17. Powers and duties of the International Council
The International Council is responsible for determining the strategy and policy of the Trust and supervising its activities. It is, in particular, responsible for the following:
17.1 Appointing New Member or Governor by invitation
17.2 Approving the annual budget;
17.3 Referring to the Membership Meeting any matters to be decided upon by that meeting;
17.4 Implementing decisions of the Membership Meeting; proposing the Annual Report and financial statements of the Trust for the last fiscal year for approval by the Membership Meeting;
17.5 Accrediting, suspending and dis-accrediting Regional or National Chapters;
17.6 Appointing, suspending, removing and expelling Individual Members;
17.7 Appointing, suspending and removing Supporters and Honorary Members;
17.8 Approving the appointment of the Managing Director(s);
17.9 Making decisions on any other matters of particular importance not Reserved to the Membership Meeting;
17.10 Determining from time to time the size of the Board of Governors, within the parameters; approving the minutes and disseminating to the membership decisions taken at Board Meetings;
17.11 Appointing and removing members’ of the Advisory Council and its chairperson.
17.12 Appointing Regional, Country and City Representative as member of world Council
Article XVIII
18. Powers and duties of the Trustees
The Trustees may represent the trust in various legal and official matters of the trust and act as a watchdog for the trust. The trustees don’t have any executive power. The executive power will be in the hand of the International Council. The trustees may the member or chairman or any other post of International Council for the sake of governance and management of the trust.
Article XIX
19. Annual Membership Meeting
Each Member has one vote at the Membership Meeting. The votes of Regional or National Chapters are cast by their respective Official Chapter Representatives. A Member may give any other Member a proxy to vote in his or her place. A proxy can only be given for a specific Membership Meeting. No Member may cast more than two votes on behalf of absent Members. Supporters and Honorary Members have no voting rights. The Membership Meeting is responsible in particular for the following:
19.1 Considering the Annual Report and financial statements of the Trust presented by the Board of Governors and giving formal approval to the actions of the Executive and the Board of Governors;
19.2 Determining the fees if any to be paid by Members;
19.3 Electing and removing the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson and members of the Board of Governors;
19.4 Deciding and revising policy for the accreditation of National and Regional Chapters and for the appointment of Individual Members.
19.5 Approving amendments to the Charter of the Trust, or its dissolution.
19.6 Approving any resolution of International Council or Executive
Article XX
20. Convening of Membership Meetings
A Membership Meeting shall be held at least once in each calendar year. It shall be convened by the Executive giving at least four weeks’ notice in writing and including the proposed agenda. The four-week period runs from the day immediately following the date of the postmark on the notice of the meeting. The notice shall be deemed to have been received by a Member if it has been sent to the most recent address given to the Trust by the Member. The agenda shall be determined by the Executive in consultation with the Board of Governors. Members may for consideration by the Executive submit matters for inclusion on the agenda by sending a notice in writing to the Chairperson at least two weeks before the date of the Membership Meeting. The person chairing the Membership Meeting shall announce these additional matters at the start of the Meeting. The Membership Meeting itself shall decide whether to accept such additional matters for inclusion on the agenda.
Article XXI
21. Extraordinary Membership Meeting
The Executive shall call an extraordinary Membership Meeting where such action is necessary for the interests of the Trust, or where the Board of Governors has decided on such a course of action, or where not less than one quarter of the Members submit to the Chairperson a written request that such a meeting be held, giving their reasons.
Article XXII
22. Decisions of the Membership Meeting
The Membership Meeting will be chaired by the Chairperson or, in the absence of the Chairperson, by the Vice-Chairperson or, if he/she is also absent, by a member of the Board of Governors. The person chairing the Membership Meeting shall determine the voting procedures to be adopted following consultation of the Meeting. However, if at least one-third of the Members present in person or by proxy request a secret voting procedure, this must be adopted. The quorum comprises one-half of all the Members of the Trust. Proxies shall be counted towards the quorum. Where there is no quorum, the Executive must call another Membership Meeting with the same agenda to take place within six weeks. This second meeting shall be deemed to have a quorum irrespective of how many members attend. This fact should be included in the notice of the meeting. Decisions of the Membership Meeting are made by a simple majority of all valid votes cast in person or by proxy, except that
(i) A majority of two-thirds of such votes is required to amend the Charter, to remove the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson or a member of the Board of Governors and
(ii) A majority of three quarters of such votes is required to dissolve the Trust.
An abstention shall not be deemed to be a valid vote. A vote to change the purpose of the Trust can only be made with the approval of all Members of the Trust. Members not casting their vote at the Membership Meeting in person or by proxy can cast their vote subsequently by writing to the Chairperson. Minutes must be kept of decisions of the Membership meeting and signed by the minute taker and by the person who chaired the meeting.
Article XXIII
23. Minutes of the Meeting
The minutes of the proceedings of every meeting of the trustees shall be entered in a book to be kept for the purpose and be signed by the chairman of such meeting. Such minutes shall be conclusive evidence of the minutes of the business and other matters transacted at such meeting.
Article XXIV
24. Banking operation
A Bank account may be opened and operated by trustees jointly or severally. The authorization may be made by passing a resolution by the Trustees.
25. Article XXV
Contribution to the Trust
The trustees may accept any contribution from any person, individual and or any firm, ltd company or from the institution, government or local bodies.
Article XXVI
26. Annual Statement of Accounts
The trustees shall cause true and accurate accounts to be kept of all money received and spent and of all matters in respect thereof in course of management of properties or in relation to the carrying out of the objects and purposes of the trust as well as all assets, creditors, effects, properties of the trust. Accounting period will be to from 1st April to 31st March of every year.
Article XXVII
27. Appointment of Auditors
The trust shall appoint an auditor annually for each year on such terms and remuneration as they think fit for auditing the accounts of the trust.
Article XXVIII
28. Investment of Trust properties
The trust money may be invested in various kinds of immovable properties and in other forms as prescribed under section 11(5) of the Income Tax Act 1961 and on such terms as they deem fit.
Article XXIX
29. Declaration
The Trust is irrevocable
The Trust is hereby expressly declared to be a public charitable trust and all the provision of this charter are to be construed accordingly. All the powers and provisions hereof shall be construed as being subject to the restrictions and limitation herein contained.
Article XXX
30. Dissolution of the Trust
A decision to dissolve the Trust requires a resolution passed at a membership meeting and supported by three-quarters of all valid votes cast in person or by proxy in accordance with Article. Unless the Membership Meeting determines otherwise, the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall be joint liquidators and shall represent the Trust. The above provisions shall also apply should the Trust be dissolved for any other reason, or should it lose its legal capacity.
Article XXXI
31. Indemnity
The trustees shall be respectively chargeable only for such money funds and securities that they shall have actually received notwithstanding their signing a receipt jointly with others for the sake of conformity and shall be answerable and accountable for their accounts receipts, neglects and default, one trustee shall not be answerable for the other or others of them not for any banker broker or any person with whom or into whose hand any trust money or securities may come to be deposited nor for the loss of depreciation of value of stocks shares, funds, or other securities nor for any other loss unless the same happens through their willful default, misconduct or negligence respectively.
Article XXXII
32. Governing Language
The English version of this Charter shall prevail in cases of interpretation and determination of the content of this Charter.
Article XXXIII
33. Place of Jurisdiction
The Jurisdiction of Kolkata has sole authority in cases of litigation within the Trust.
Article XXXIV
34. Salvatory Clause
If any provision of this Charter shall be held void or unenforceable or contrary to Indian law, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.
End