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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We hope that through this section we will be able to answer your questions about SVARAJ. If you have any further query please do not hesitate to Contact us.
SVARAJ stands for Society for Voluntary action, Revitalisation and Justice
Is SVARAJ an Indian organisation?
Yes, SVARAJ is an Indian organization. In the past, it functioned, as a part of the services of Oxfam GB in India, registered as Oxfam India under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 vide Registration No. S/9644 in the year 1978 and also registered under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 1976 – Registration No. 231660203. Now it has a complete Indian identity, independent of Oxfam, Great Britain. The legal process for the name change is underway and is expected to be completed very soon.
Who manages SVARAJ?
Since it is a Society, it is governed by the Board Members, who together with the Chief Executive are responsible for the operations and strategic planning.
When was it started?
Initially, it was registered in 1978 as Oxfam India. However, from the mid-nineties, the process of Indianisation began and it gradually began to emerge as SVARAJ, an agency independent of Oxfam Great Britain.
What projects has SVARAJ undertaken?
SVARAJ has worked for the Disaster Management programmes like relief and rehabilitation during floods in Orissa, Earthquake in Gujarat, Drought relief work in Rajasthan and Tsunami affected areas in Tamil Nadu and is currently working towards strengthening Food Security and Livelihoods through Integrated Management of Water Resources by communities, Displacement issues, Women’s Education and Empowerment and Children’s Nutrition Programme.
Does the Indian government recognize SVARAJ?
Yes, SVARAJ is a registered organization under the Societies Act; Income Tax Act, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India. Of course it will be known as SVARAJ/Oxfam India, until the completion of the legal name-change, which is expected to come through shortly, after which it will be just SVARAJ.
Is a Donation made to SVARAJ exempted from the Tax?
Yes, all donations made to SVARAJ (payable to Oxfam India for the time being) - are eligible for 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Why should I give to SVARAJ and not to any other NGO?
We have the experience, expertise and the infrastructure to ensure maximum benefit out of the programmes.
Who are our funders?
SVARAJ has a 7,000 strong and continuously expanding individual donor database and they support our programmes by contributing generously. Apart from this, our other main source of income for programmes and institutional support comes from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). We are also supported by VMMT, Action Aid, HDFC, American Jewish World Services, General Mills, International Fragrances & Flavors and IBM.
How can I make a donation?
You can a make a donation online or by sending us a cheque favoring Oxfam India (until the name change to SVARAJ) and post it to us. A printable form is available on this site.
How can I be sure of where my money goes?
SVARAJ produces an Annual Report, which gives an audited statement for the money received through donations and grants as well as reports and case studies from the funded projects. Please Contact us if you require further information on utilization of funds.
Are the funds that we provide, used to pay your salaries too?
The salaries and other institutional cost for the current programmes are covered under the support from SIDA (until 2007), but as a policy SVARAJ sets aside between 10–20 % of the income towards administrative costs like, postage, stationery and other related expenses.
SVARAJ spends time and resources in identifying the projects, and building the capacity of local organizations so that the grant given is utilized most efficiently and effectively. It also monitors the projects from time to time. Therefore, part of the donation given by you goes towards these inputs and overheads and to cover a percentage of our salaries. Information on how we spend our funds is contained in our Annual Report.
Why does SVARAJ spend money on Resource Mobilisation?
SVARAJ’s primary intention is to enroll as many Indians as possible for involvement in developmental and environmental work. We need resources to mobilize funds, identify and engage volunteers as well as to meet our existing commitments and reach out to more and more people living in poverty.
