Hyderabad: NGOs and societies opposed the new proposed Act as they feared it would increase the government’s involvement in their activities. They said that with such an Act the government would have total control and could impose restrictions on their functioning, which would affect the society’s objectives.
A dialogue between the government and all stakeholders could be an option. Experts said that a monitoring body should be set up to streamline societies, especially to check the misuse of funds.
Nizam Club secretary Naresh Solanki said that members of the club used their membership only to relax and socialise, and such an Act could lay a cap on the functioning of such clubs. “A decision on such an Act can be taken only by the government. But before that, an open dialogue, involving all stakeholders, should take place,” he said.
Members of other clubs said that with such an Act, the government would have complete control of their institutions. “The government can interfere and create fear. The Act is more likely to affect bonafide institutions which are working for the cause of their members or society,” they said.
Senior HC advocate Arcot Chandrasekhar said that strong provisions should be included by law to monitor their activities. “There are many disputes within societies on siphoning of funds, but there is no monitoring body to check them,” he said.
