| 1. DEFINITION |
| In these Rules, unless otherwise excluded or repugnant to or inconsistent with the subject or the comment: |
| (a) |
The "Society" shall mean "The Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia". |
| (b) |
"Members" shall mean the Members of the Society as hereinafter defined. |
| (c) |
The "Managing Committee" shall mean the Managing Committee for the time being of the Society. |
| (d) |
"The President", "The Vice-President ", and "The Treasurer" shall mean these respective officers for the time being of the Society. |
| (e) |
"General Meeting" shall mean an Ordinary or Annual General Meeting and a Special Meeting of the Society. |
| (f) |
"Prescribed" means prescribed for the time being by the Rules and Regulations or bye-laws of the Society. |
| (g) |
"Person" includes Corporation. |
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| 2. OBJECTS: |
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The objects for which the Society has been formed are contained in the Memorandum of Association. |
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| 3. OFFICE OF THE SOCIETY: |
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The Registered Office of the Society shall be situated at AB-19 Mathura Road, New Delhi 110001. The Society may from time to time open, close, and reopen branch offices at such place or places as the Managing Committee may decide. |
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| 4. MEMBERSHIP: |
| (a) |
There shall be seven categories of membership for Foreign Correspondent Membership, for Journalist Associate Membership, General Associate Membership, Corporate Associate Membership, Spouse Membership, and Temporary Foreign Correspondent Membership. |
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| i. |
Foreign Correspondent members are journalists of any nationality who, in a writing, broadcasting, internet, editing, photographic, research or managerial capacity, represent foreign-based news media, the bulk of whose circulation or audience is outside India - or such special foreign correspondents as can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Managing Committee that more than half of their income is earned as representatives of such foreign media.
This is the only membership category which has the right to vote in Club meetings.
Applications should be accompanied by a Press Information Bureau (PIB) card, or a letter from a foreign-based Editor, or clippings over a period of six month (reporting events in India or elsewhere for foreign-based news media).
The annual subscription shall be Rs4,000 plus Rs500 non-refundable admission fee. |
| ii |
Journalist Associate Members are journalists of any nationality whose main professional duties are representing Indian news media (including Indian editions of foreign newspapers and other media) in an editing, writing, internet, broadcasting or photographic capacity.
Applications should be accompanied by a PIB card or journalist clippings over a period of six months, or other evidence of journalist work.
The annual subscription shall be Rs4,000 plus Rs500 non-refundable admission fee. |
| iii |
General Associate Members are Representatives in India of non-profit organisations such as NGOs, diplomatic missions, and government ministries and agencies, who have some link with the international foreign media in India (for example, being the head of an organisation or the public relations official), and lawyer members of bar associations.
NGO applicants and lawyer members of bar associations should be nominated by a Foreign Correspondent Member.
Applications for all General Associate members should be accompanied by proof of occupation in the form of a letter from the organisation involved.
The annual subscription shall be Rs10,000 plus a Rs500 non-refundable admission fee. |
| iv |
Corporate Associate Members are representatives of companies - including public relations agencies, advertising agencies, hotels, and other businesses - who have some contact or link for purposes of their work with the international media in India, for example a ceo or public relations official.
Applications should be accompanied by proof of occupation in the form of a letter from the organisation involved.
The annual subscription shall be Rs20,000, plus a Rs500 non-refundable admission fee. |
| v |
Spouse Members - Spouses of all categories of FCC Members.
The annual subscription shall be Rs2,000, plus a Rs500 non-refundable admission fee. |
| vi |
Life Members are Foreign Correspondent Members who have held the FC class of membership for seven years or more and who opt to take up Life Membership for a one-time non-refundable payment of Rs25,000.
Applications should be accompanied by a PIB card, or a letter from a foreign-based Editor.
Life members will not pay annual membership fees.
The Member will continue to have voting rights, as long as she or he qualifies under the Foreign Correspondent definition above. A Life Member who no longer meets that definition will be placed on a par with other non-voting categories, but without having to pay membership fees. |
| vii |
Temporary Foreign Correspondent Members are those who possess the necessary qualifications for FC membership and are temporarily assigned in India.
They may be admitted to the Association for a period of three months, which can be renewed for a second period of three months.
The subscription shall be pro rate to the annual FC membership fee. There shall be no admission fee.
Temporary FC Members do not have a right to vote in Association matters, nor to be elected to official positions in the Association.
Temporary FC Members who remain in India more than six months, and who meet eligibility requirements, can be admitted as full FC members of the Association, subject to the payment of full FC membership and admission fees. |
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| (b) |
Any person who believes in the objects of the Society, and who is prepared to work for the furtherance of such objects, can seek Membership by applying in writing in the prescribed form which may be obtained f |
| (c) |
The Managing Committee shall have the power to decide on the eligibility for membership and to accept or reject an application for membership of the Society. In case of any disagreement, admission shall be by approval of fifty-one (51) per cent of the full Foreign Correspondent membership, obtainable by an E-Mail ballot which shall remain open for one week after the membership question is sent out to FC members. |
| (d) |
Any member who in the view of the Managing Committee ceases to fulfil any of these requirements shall be served a notice in writing thereto and shall cease to be a member of the Society after three months beginning from the date of such notice. |
| (e) |
Associate and Temporary Members of the Society shall have no power to vote in the proceedings of the Foreign Correspondent Members and the Managing Committee of the Society, nor to stand for Committee membership, nor for office. The Associate Members may be invited to participate in any Subcommittee meetings of the Society concerned with the running of programmes and facilities of the Society. However in the event of any voting taking place in a Sub-Committee, the voting shall be valid only if the majority of voters present are Foreign Correspondent Members. |
| (f) |
The Managing Committee of the Society may from time to time introduce other categories of membership of the Society as the Managing Committee may by resolutions decide. |
| (g) |
Annual subscriptions shall initially be payable at the time of becoming a member and thereafter in April at the beginning of financial year. Failure to pay the annual subscription within six months of April 1 every year shall make the member liable to lose their membership. |
| (h) |
Any person who had rendered recognizable services or who is in a position to render special help and advice to the Society may be elected as an Honorary Member of the Society for a period as may be determined by the Managing Committee. |
| (i) |
The Managing Committee may by resolution expel any member of the Society belonging to any category in the event of such a member being convicted of any criminal offence, adjudged as bankrupt, committed as being of unsound mind or for violation of any rules and regulations of the Society, or generally for conduct which in the Managing Committee's view is unbecoming or contrary to the objects of the Society. |
| (j) |
In the event of the Managing Committee passing a resolution for the expulsion of any member pursuant to the proceeding sub-clause on grounds of violation of any rules and regulations of the Society or generally for conduct unbecoming or contrary to the objects of the Society, such member shall be given one opportunity to appear before a meeting of the Managing Committee and explain his conduct. |
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5. MANAGING COMMITTEE |
| (a) |
The management and all the property of the Society movable, immovable or of any other nature shall vest in a Managing Committee to be formed as hereinafter provided. |
| (b) |
The Managing Committee shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer and seven Committee members. For the purpose of ensuring fair representation, Foreign Correspondent Members should aim to nominate persons of various nationalities for the post of President and for members of the Managing Committee. |
| (c) |
The Managing Committee can, while keeping its numbers within the maximum prescribed in the proceeding sub-clause, co-opt members who are considered to be helpful for the proper functioning of the Society |
| (d) |
Except that which is expressly declared to be decided upon by a General Meeting of the Society or as a matter of policy or following a change in the Constitution of the Society, the Managing Committee shall be generally responsible for the attainment of the objects of the Society in such manner and by such methods as it may consider necessary. |
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6. POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE MANAGING COMMITTEE: |
| (a) |
The Managing Committee shall be the highest authority of the Society and shall have all the powers including the power to establish branches, change the headquarters or registered office, and generally to carry into effect the policy and programme of the Society from time to time. |
| (b) |
It shall have the power to frame rules for the proper working of the Society and also have the right to make such changes in the rules and regulations as are not inconsistent with the objects and functions of the Society by obtaining a majority in a meeting specially called for the purpose. |
| (c) |
It shall have the power to expend the funds of the Society in such manner as it shall consider most beneficial for the purpose of the Society, and to invest such part thereof as it may deem fit in the name of the Society or in the name or names of such member or members as are authorized for the purpose, and to direct the sale or transportation of any such investments, and to expend the proceeds of any such sale for the purpose of the Society. |
| (d) |
It shall have the power to acquire in the name of the Society, or build pull down rebuild alter repair sell or dispose of or otherwise deal with, any land building or premises for the use of the Society. |
| (e) |
It shall have the power to borrow moneys upon the security of any property belonging to the Society and to grant or direct to be granted mortgages for securing any such borrowings. |
| (f) |
It shall have the power to delegate all or any of its powers to any person, persons or committee. |
| (g) |
t shall have the power from time to time to make repeal or alter regulations as to the management of the Society and the affairs thereof and as to the duties of any officers or servants of the Society and as to the conduct of business by any Committee or subcommittee so formed by it and as to any of the matters or things within the powers or under the control of the Society provided that the same shall not be in consistent with the Memorandum or Objects of the Society. |
| (h) |
It shall have the power to organise maintain and coordinate the activities of the Society's branches if and when established in and under various centres of India and elsewhere so as to facilitate the Study and discussion of all and any of the matters herein stated and promote the objects of the Society |
| (i) |
It shall have the power to collect raise and receive subscriptions donations or gifts in cash or in kind for all or any of the objects of the Society and to apply the same as may be necessary in furtherance generally of the objects at the Society. |
| (j) |
It shall have the power to co-operate with approved institutions and interested bodies for the purpose of helping the cause of understanding amongst peoples of different cultures. |
| (k) |
It shall have the power to purchase take on lease hire or otherwise acquire estates lands buildings easements or other interests in any movable or immovable property in real estate and all kinds of personal properties wherever situate and to sell mortgage let on lease exchange or otherwise transfer or dispose of or deal with or grant properties movable or immovable whatsoever belonging to the Society and wherever situate. |
| (l) |
It shall have the power to construct maintain alter improve or develop and own anywhere any buildings works or constructions necessary or convenient for the purpose of the Society. |
| (m) |
It shall have the power to borrow or raise money or secure the payment of money in such manner and on such terms as shall be deemed fit and in particular on the security of a mortgage charge or hypothecation or pledge of all or any of the movable or immovable properties belonging to the Society and wherever situate. |
| (n) |
It shall have the power to draw accept and make and to endorse discount and negotiate bills of exchange promissory notes and other negotiable instruments |
| (o) |
It shall have the power to invest the moneys of the Society not immediately required in such manner as the Society may deem fit. |
| (p) |
It shall have the power to declare and give bonus gratuities or allowances to persons who are or were in the employ of the Society or to the families or dependents of such persons selected by the Society, and |
| (q) |
It shall have the power to do any and all things necessary or expedient for the due conduct of the affairs of the Society not otherwise herein provided for. |
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| 7. OFFICE BEARERS |
| There shall be a President, a Vice-President, and a Treasurer of the Society from amongst the Members of the Managing Committee. This condition may however be waived by a three-fourths majority of the members of the Managing Committee. |
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| (a) |
PRESIDENT The President shall exercise powers of general supervision and guidance over all the activities of the Society and may also call or direct to be called the Meeting of the Managing Committee and delegate such powers as he or she may deem fit in his or her absolute discretion to any other member or members of the Managing Committee. |
| (b) |
TREASURER: The Treasurer shall be responsible for the money and other finances of the Society and shall make them available to the President or any other person on a requisition signed by the President in terms of the sanctioned budget. The Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the books of accounts. |
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| 8. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARER |
| Except as may be otherwise provided herein, the President and members of the Managing Committee shall be elected by the Foreign Correspondent Members of the Society by simple majority in the AGM by way of a show of hands or a ballot. |
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| 9. MEETINGS |
| (a) |
There shall be at least one Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Society every year at the time and place as decided by the Managing Committee, such meeting to be called by giving thirty (30) days' notice in which the audited accounts of the year along with an Annual Report of the Managing Committee bearing upon the activities of the Society during the year and the budget for the ensuing year submitted by the Treasurer shall be considered and passed. Further such meeting shall also elect members of the Managing Committee, when elections fall due, as laid down in these Rules and Regulations. Non-receipt of a Notice of such meeting shall not in any way invalidate the meeting or any decision taken threat. |
| (b) |
The Managing Committee of the Society shall appoint auditors at the start of each financial year, and shall ordinarily meet every two months or more often if required for reviewing the working of the Society, such meeting to be convened by the President. |
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| (b i) |
The Managing Committee shall take decisions by E-mail at other times. A quorum for an E-mail Decision by the Committee shall consist of one-third of the full Committee Membership. All E-mail Decisions, except as otherwise provided, shall be by simple majority vote of those voting during a period of not less than 48 hours after an e-mail notice of the required decision has been sent to all Committee Members. At the request of a minimum of two Committee Members, a decision put out for vote by e-mail shall be stalled and referred to a full Committee Meeting. |
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| (c) |
A Special General Meeting shall be called by the President within fourteen (14) days of the receipt by him in writing of a requisition by at least twenty-five Foreign Correspondent Members of the Society, such requisition setting forth clearly the reasons for and the object of calling the meeting. The President shall give thirty (30) days' notice of such Meeting. |
| (d) |
One-third of the total number of members of the Managing Committee shall form the quorum for a meeting of the Managing Committee. |
| (e) |
Every Foreign Correspondent Member of the Society shall have one vote to be exercised in person in AGMs. In case of a tie, the President shall have a casting vote. |
| (f) |
Every member of the Managing Committee shall have one vote to be exercised on Committee matters, in person or by E-mail. In case of a tie, the President shall have a casting vote. |
| (g) |
Where a meeting of the Society or the Managing Committee lacks a quorum, it shall be reconvened at the same time and at the same place one day later and in the event of there being a lack of quorum, any proxy votes offered shall be taken into account in determining the quorum as well as voting.
PROVIDED always that a member whose subscription has not been paid up-to-date within ten (10) days of the due date shall not be entitled to vote on any matter or to be elected to the Managing Committee or any other office. |
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| 10. FUNDS |
| To carry out the objects of the Society as set out herein certain funds are necessary which are proposed to be raised in the following ways: |
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| (i) |
Subscription from Members; |
| (ii) |
Donations in cash or kind; |
| (iii) |
By arranging any activities collections etc. as may be necessary or useful; |
| (iv) |
From such other sources as may be available from time to time. |
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11. VESTING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS AND PROPERTY OF THE SOCIETY: |
| (a) |
All the funds and other assets of the Society shall vest in the Managing Committee as herein provided and the funds shall be deposited in such bank or banks as may be decided upon by the Managing Committee and the bank accounts shall be operated by such member or members of the Managing Committee as may be authorised by a resolution of the Managing Committee. |
| (b) |
The funds and assets of the Society shall be used solely for the purpose of achieving the aims and objects for which the Society has been established, |
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| 12. ACCOUNTS AND REPORT: |
| (a) |
The accounts of the Society shall be audited once a year by a Chartered Accountant or a firm of Chartered Accountants appointed by the Managing Committee. |
| (b) |
The minutes of the Managing Committee of the Society will record ail financial affairs and other activities strictly confidentially and these will not be disclosed to anyone except at the discretion of the President or where so required by the law. |
| (c) |
Accounts of the Society shall be closed every year on 31st March or any other day as may be decided by the Managing Committee. |
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| 13, SUBMISSION OF ANNUAL LISTS OF MEMBERS: |
| Once every year a list of the office bearers, members of the Managing Committee and the society shall be filed with the Registrar of Societies Delhi, as required under Section 4 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860 |
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| 14. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS: |
| The Society may sue or be sued in the name of the President in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Societies Registration Act, 1 860, as applicable to the union Territory of Delhi. |
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| 15. AMENDMENTS: |
| Any kind of amendment in the Memorandum of Association or Rules and Regulations of the
Society shall be. be in accordance with the procedure lid down under Sections 12 and 12-A of the Societies Registration Act, 1860. |
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| 16. DISSOLUTION: |
| If the Society needs to be dissolved it shall be dissolved in accordance with the provisions laid down under Sections 13 and 14 of the Societies Registration Act, 1860, as applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi. |
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| 17. APPLICABILITY CLAUSES: |
| All the provisions under all the sections of the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 as
applicable to the Union Territory of Delhi shall apply of this Society. |
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| 18. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATE: |
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Certified that this is the correct copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Society. |
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