Adharshila

Pilot branches in 2009-2010

In 2009 a number of pilot branches are expected to be established across India. The learnings from these pilot branches are incrementally expected to be absorbed in developing the concept of Adharshila further.

Leadership of the pilot brahcnes

Each FTI member is expected to establish at least one branch each as part of their outreach program. FTI members are free to invite other local citizens to the branch to take on an active role as Adharshila Leaders. The initial group of 2-3 leaders so assembled should work as a family or team with due care and responsibility.

Size of the branch

Once fully developed, each unit of Adharshila should comprise not more than 20-30 members . At that stage it should hive off into separate units.

Membership requirements

The pilot branches would be established informally, i.e., without formal rules and regulations or membership forms.  However, a minimum age of 18 years is prescribed for membership of Adharshila. In due course, with appropriate systems established, this will be lowered to 16 years (Office bearers of Adharshila would have to undergo authorised training in working with children before such a reduction in age limit is allowed).

Only Indian citizens in India will be able to join Adharshila. In due course this requirement may be relaxed, with appropriate qualifications.

To join Adharshila, prospective members would need to commit to a reasonable amount of time to Adharshila activities. In particular, senior liberals (those above 30 years of age) would need to mentor young members and undertake various leadership roles in the organisation.

Logistics of the branch

Meetings would initially be hosted in the residence of office-bearers by rotation (Adharshila branches would need to work like families to the extent possible). Each Adharshila group would be given its own page on this website. They could establish various Google groups to communicate by email if they wish, or simply use the telephone locally.

Funding

Pilot branches would need to raise funds locally, with minimal support from the central team in the pilot phase. In due course, arrangements would be made for all funds collected for Adharshila be deposited into a separate account maintained under the overall account of FTI. An annual budget would then be allocated to each branch, available on reimbursement from FTI.

In due course, local branches would be empowered to establish and operate their own bank accounts as registered subsidiaries of FTI. Annual reporting on all funds would have to be managed centrally through FTI.

Income tax exemptions available to FTI (once obtained) would apply to contributions made for Adharshila.