Amended
Constitution
& Bye-Laws

The Original Constitution of the Ganga Zuari Academy was formally adopted by its members on 23 May 2007, several weeks following the completion of its registration. This Constitution was fundamentally derived from the "Memorandum of Association" submitted to the Office of the Registrar in conjunction with the registration application some months ago. This Constitution shall remain in effect until such time as amendments are made in accordance with the provisions outlined herein.

The Memorandum of Association and the original Constitution were duly signed by Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay (then Vice-President), Ajanta Burman (then General Secretary), and Julie Mukhopadhyay (then Treasurer).

On 1 August 2025, the Original Constitution and Bye-Laws were amended and redrafted to enhance its legal validity, governance excellence, and institutional sustainability. It is now aligned with best practices (NGO, CSR, FCRA readiness), and future-ready for national/international partnerships.

We, the members of the Ganga Zuari Academy, hereby establish this institution as a non-profit, non-political, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organisation, committed to promoting cultural dialogue, artistic excellence, intellectual exploration, and civilizational harmony within India and globally.

Inspired by the symbolic convergence of the Ganga and Zuari rivers, which signifies India's rich cultural diversity, the Academy shall serve as a platform for unity amid diversity. It shall be guided by the principles of integrity, inclusivity, pluralism, transparency, and public purpose.

1. The organisation shall be known as "Ganga Zuari Academy for Film, Fine and Performing Arts" (hereinafter referred to as "the Academy" and as "Ganga Zuari Academy" for banking purposes).
2. The Academy shall operate as:
   • A non-profit and charitable institution
   • Registered in accordance with the applicable laws of India (including the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the relevant State Act)
3. The Academy shall possess:
   • Perpetual succession
   • The capacity to acquire, hold, and dispose of property
   • The authority to initiate and respond to legal proceedings in its own name

The registered office of the Academy shall be located in Goa at such address as may be decided by the Governing Praesidium and notified to the Registrar.

1. To preserve and promote cultural heritage, artistic traditions, and creative expressions.
2. To organise educational programs, workshops, research initiatives, and publications.
3. To host cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
4. To collaborate with both national and international institutions.
5. To provide support for artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners.
6. To advocate for constitutional values, cultural pluralism, and social harmony.
7. To establish fellowships, scholarships, awards, and digital cultural archives.
8. To ensure inclusivity that encompasses gender, region, language, and ability.

1. The income and property of the Academy shall be applied solely towards its objectives.
2. No portion shall be distributed as profit to members.
3. Office bearers shall serve in an honorary capacity, except where professional services are formally contracted.

1. The Academy shall remain: Non-political, Non-partisan, and Non-sectarian.
2. It shall not support or oppose any political party or ideology.
3. It shall not engage in divisive or exclusionary activities.
4. To avoid conflicts of interest, the Academy must disclose all office bearers and recuse themselves from decisions where a conflict exists.

The Academy shall function through three governing bodies:

1. Eligibility: Any individual or organisation that supports the Academy's objectives and is of good standing may apply.
2. Approval: Membership shall be approved by the Governing Praesidium.
3. Voting Rights: Voting rights shall be granted only after 30 days of membership.
4. Rights of Members:
   • Participation in activities
   • Voting (if eligible)
   • Access to institutional resources
5. Termination: Membership may be terminated on Resignation, Misconduct, Criminal conviction, or Conflict of interest. Provided that due process and opportunity to be heard shall be ensured (read with Article XV).

1. Composition: All registered members.
2. Powers:
   • Elect Governing Praesidium
   • Approve policies and plans
   • Approve audited accounts
3. Meetings:
   • Annual General Meeting (AGM) — mandatory
   • Quorum: 20% of eligible voting members
   • Notice: 15 days (regular), 3 days (emergency)

1. Term & Qualification:
   • GP will be elected for 3 years
   • Maximum 2 consecutive terms for a President
   • Cooling-off period of at least 3 years thereafter
   • Only Principal members could occupy the posts of the President, two Vice Presidents, and the General Secretary
2. Powers: Administration and execution; Financial oversight; Policy implementation.
3. Meetings: Minimum 4 per year.

1. Elections shall be conducted every three years, or sooner if circumstances necessitate.
2. Voting shall be conducted via a ballot or hand-raising, either physical or digital methods.
3. Eligibility to vote shall be granted to members who have maintained membership for a minimum of thirty days.
4. The President will be elected first by the General Council.
5. The newly elected President will have the opportunity to submit the names of their chosen panel members for the new Governing Praesidium (GP) to the General Council for approval.
6. Members of the Governing Praesidium can be elected individually or as a collective panel, also subject to the approval of the General Council.

Clearly defined roles for all office bearers and members:

1. Sources: Membership fees; Donations, grants, sponsorships.
2. Banking:
   • Scheduled/Nationalised Bank
   • Signatories: Any two of President, Secretary, Treasurer
   • Audit: Annual independent audit mandatory
3. Transparency: Financial statements shared with members.
4. Compliance: Income Tax, FCRA (if applicable).

The Academy shall publish annually:

• Annual Report
• Audited Financial Statements
• Key decisions and activities

1. Meetings may be: Physical, virtual, or hybrid.
2. Digital voting allowed.
3. Minutes shall be recorded and archived.

1. Office bearers may be removed by: 2/3rd majority vote of GC.
2. Whistle-blower protection shall be ensured.
3. Members who fail to attend FIVE consecutive functions of the Academy that include events, meetings, and get-togethers shall be placed under the DORMANT category.
4. During the period a member is classified as DORMANT:
   • (a) Any thoughts, suggestions or inputs submitted by the dormant member shall not be taken into consideration
   • (b) His/her Voting rights shall remain suspended
   • (c) The member shall not be eligible for interaction in official forums of the Academy
   • (d) Reinstatement to Active status shall be considered upon written request and subsequent participation in FOUR Academy functions, subject to the approval of the Governing Praesidium
5. In case of further anti-Academy activities, a show-cause notice may be issued to the concerned member. Such infractions will be deliberated during Governing Praesidium meetings for potential disciplinary action, including expulsion.

All works created under the Academy shall:

• Belong to the Academy
• Be governed by defined usage and licensing policies

1. Amendments may be proposed by any member.
2. Approval: 2/3rd majority of the General Council.
3. Modes: Physical / digital / hybrid.

1. Requires 2/3rd majority of GC.
2. Assets shall be transferred to organisations with similar objectives and charitable status.
3. No member shall benefit.

The Academy shall comply with:

• All applicable Indian laws
• Financial and taxation regulations
• Cultural and intellectual property laws

In case of ambiguity:

• Governing Praesidium shall interpret
• Subject to ratification by General Council

1. Official language: English
2. Financial year: 1 April – 31 March
3. Delegation of powers permitted with accountability