Oisca Kottayam Chapter
BYE-LAWS OF THE [NAME OF LOCAL CHAPTER, e.g., OISCA [Country/Region] Chapter]
Prepared by James Joseph Adhikarathil Kottayam. Oisca Kottayam chapter.
A Local Chapter of OISCA INTERNATIONAL.
(Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement – International).
Model Template for Adoption by All Local/National Chapters Worldwide.
Framework – March 2026**
In full alignment with.
- OISCA International Charter (1961, as amended 2005)
- OISCA International Bylaws (adopted 25 July 2005, enforced 27 July 2005)
- OISCA Global Policy Document 2026 (Comprehensive Organizational Policy Manual)
Note:.These Bye-Laws serve as a **mandatory adaptable model** for every Local Chapter and National Chapter. They must be formally approved by the International Board of Directors (per Article IX of the Charter) before registration under local country laws. Any deviation requires prior written approval from OISCA International Headquarters (Tokyo). Local adaptations for country-specific legal compliance (e.g., Societies Registration Act, NGO laws, FCRA equivalents) are permitted only in non-conflicting areas.
PREAMBLE.
These Bye-Laws are framed to enable the [Local Chapter Name] to function as an autonomous yet fully integrated unit of OISCA International, faithfully implementing the Vision (Article IV), Mission (Article V), and Activities (Article VI) of the OISCA Charter. The Chapter operates under the oversight of Headquarters (Tokyo), the Board of Directors, and the Global Policy Document. All members and office-bearers pledge to uphold the three pillars — Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement — and the “Muddy Labor” ethic of shared dedication.
Adoption Clause: These Bye-Laws were adopted by the Founding General Body on [Date] at [Venue] and ratified by OISCA International Headquarters vide Board Resolution No. [Number] dated [Date]. They supersede any prior local rules.
❤️ARTICLE 1: NAME, ADDRESS AND JURISDICTION**
1.1 The name of the Chapter shall be “OISCA [Country/Region/Locality] Chapter” (hereinafter “the Chapter”).
1.2 Registered Office: [Full Address] – to be notified to Headquarters within 30 days of any change.
1.3 Jurisdiction: The Chapter shall operate within [defined geographical area, e.g., the State/Province or entire country for National Chapter] and shall not extend activities beyond without prior Headquarters approval.
1.4 Emblem & Flag: The official OISCA emblem (five-colored symbol per Bylaws Section I) and flag shall be displayed at all premises and events. Use of name/acronym “OISCA” requires Headquarters clearance.
❤️ARTICLE 2: OBJECTIVES**
The Chapter shall:
2.1 Locally implement OISCA’s global programs (Youth Capacity Development, Children’s Forest Program, Environmental Restoration, Sustainable Agriculture, Disaster Resilience) as per the Global Policy Document Sections 7 & 8.
2.2 Promote mutual respect, harmony with Nature, and holistic human development among all sections of society.
2.3 Establish and manage local training centers, demonstration farms, reforestation sites, and community projects.
2.4 Raise awareness and mobilize resources while maintaining 100% alignment with OISCA Vision/Mission.
2.5 Submit all projects for prior technical clearance from the International Secretariat.
❤️ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP**
**3.1 Categories (Micro Details):**
a) **Ordinary Member** – Any individual aged 18+ agreeing with OISCA philosophy; annual subscription [Amount in local currency, e.g., INR 500 / USD 10]. Voting rights after 6 months.
b) **Life Member** – One-time payment [e.g., 10× annual]; full voting rights immediately.
c) **Institutional Member** – Registered organizations/NGOs/schools agreeing with objectives; annual fee [e.g., 5× individual]; one vote per institution.
d) **Honorary Member** – Eminent persons invited by Executive Committee with Headquarters concurrence; no fee, no voting rights.
e) **Student/Youth Member** – Aged 12–17 (parental consent required); half fee, no voting rights until 18.
3.2 Admission Procedure:
- Written application on prescribed Form A (Annexure-1) with two proposers (existing members).
- Executive Committee scrutiny within 30 days → recommendation → General Body ratification at next meeting.
- Headquarters notification within 15 days of admission.
- Membership Register (digital + physical) maintained with photo, contact, payment proof.
3.3 Rights of Members:
- Participate and vote in meetings (Ordinary/Life/Institutional only).
- Contest elections (after 1 year continuous membership).
- Access projects, training, and resources.
- Receive annual report and audited accounts.
3.4 Duties & Obligations:
- Pay subscription by 31st March each year (or equivalent local fiscal year end).
- Participate in at least one project/event annually.
- Uphold Code of Ethics (Global Policy Section 4).
- Report any violation immediately.
3.5 Termination:
- Resignation (written, 30 days notice).
- Non-payment of dues for 2 consecutive years (after 30-day notice).
- Expulsion for misconduct (2/3 Executive Committee resolution + General Body confirmation + Headquarters approval). Appeal to International Board within 60 days.
- Death or dissolution of institutional member.
❤️ARTICLE 4: GENERAL BODY (Supreme Authority)
4.1 Composition: All Ordinary, Life, and Institutional Members on the Register as on 31st March.
4.2 Powers:
- Elect Executive Committee.
- Approve annual budget, reports, and audits.
- Amend Bye-Laws (subject to Headquarters ratification).
- Approve new projects exceeding [local threshold, e.g., USD 5,000].
4.3 Meetings:
-Annual General Meeting (AGM): Mandatory by 30th June every year (or within 6 months of financial year close).
- Notice: 21 clear days via email/post + WhatsApp group. Agenda circulated 7 days prior.
- Quorum: 1/3 of total members or 30 (whichever higher). If no quorum, adjourned by 30 minutes; then proceeds with available members.
- Voting: Simple majority; secret ballot for elections. Proxy allowed (max 2 per member, same-chapter only, per global Bylaws III).
-Special General Meeting (SGM):** Called by Executive Committee or on written requisition of 1/4 members (within 30 days). Same notice/quorum rules.
- Minutes: Recorded in Bound Book, signed by Chairperson & Secretary within 15 days, circulated to all members and Headquarters.
❤️ARTICLE 5: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (Management Body).
5.1 Composition: 9–15 members (odd number) elected for 2-year term (aligning with global Board term):
- President
- Vice-President (1–2)
- Secretary-General
- Joint Secretary (1–2)
- Treasurer
- Executive Members (balance)
- Mandatory: At least 40% women, 20% youth (<35 years), and one representative from each major project area.
5.2 Election Procedure (Micro Details):**
- Nominations: Filed 14 days before AGM on Form B with bio-data and consent.
- Scrutiny by Election Officer (neutral, appointed by outgoing EC).
- Voting at AGM; simple majority; tie broken by lot.
- Term begins 1st July. Maximum two consecutive terms (thereafter 2-year cooling).
- Vacancy: Filled by EC nomination + next AGM ratification (interim ≤6 months).
5.3 Meetings of Executive Committee:**
- Minimum 4 meetings/year (quarterly).
- Notice: 7 clear days. Quorum: 2/3 members.
- Decisions: Simple majority; President has casting vote.
- Emergency decisions: Via WhatsApp/Zoom, ratified at next meeting.
5.4 Powers & Duties (Detailed for Each Post)
President:Chief executive; represents Chapter; presides all meetings; signs MoUs (with Treasurer/Secretary co-signature); reports directly to International Secretariat quarterly.
-Vice-President: Assists President; acts in absence.
Secretary-General: Day-to-day administration; maintains records/registers; convenes meetings; correspondence with Headquarters (mandatory monthly activity report on prescribed Form C); maintains membership database.
Treasurer: Maintains accounts; prepares budget; bank operations (joint signatories: President + Treasurer); presents monthly statements.
Executive Members:Oversee specific programs (e.g., CFP, Reforestation); mandatory field visits.
5.5 Removal: For misconduct, non-attendance (3 consecutive meetings without valid reason), or violation – 2/3 EC resolution + SGM confirmation + Headquarters approval.
❤️ARTICLE 6: SUB-COMMITTEES.
6.1 Mandatory Standing Committees (minimum 3 members each, chaired by EC member):
- Program Implementation & Monitoring
- Finance & Audit
- Membership & Youth Development
- Women & Child Safeguarding (per Global Policy Section 9)
- Environment & Sustainability
6.2 Ad-hoc committees for specific projects (e.g., Disaster Response Team).
6.3 All committees report monthly to EC; decisions subject to EC ratification.
❤️ARTICLE 7: FINANCES, ACCOUNTS & ASSETS
7.1 Sources.Membership fees, donations, project grants (UN, corporate, government), training fees, sale of produce (from demo farms). All funds in name of Chapter.
7.2 Banking:Account with scheduled bank; two signatories (President + Treasurer). All transactions ≥ [local amount] require EC approval.
7.3 Financial Year: 1st April – 31st March (or local statutory year).
7.4 Budget:Prepared by Treasurer, approved in AGM.
7.5 Audit: Annual statutory audit by Chartered Accountant (or equivalent); report submitted to AGM and Headquarters within 60 days of year-end. Internal audit quarterly.
7.6 Utilization:70% minimum on programs; overheads capped at 15%. Surplus carried forward or remitted to Headquarters (as per mutual agreement).
7.7 Assets: Movable/immovable property registered in Chapter name; inventory updated annually; no sale/disposal without Headquarters approval. All assets vest in OISCA International upon dissolution.
❤️ARTICLE 8: REPORTING & TRANSPARENCY.
8.1 Mandatory monthly activity + financial report to International Secretariat (Form D).
8.2 Annual Report (narrative + audited accounts) published on Chapter website and sent to all members + Headquarters.
8.3 Compliance with Global Policy Sections 6 (Financial Management) and 10 (M&E).
8.4 Right to Information: Any member may inspect records with 7 days’ notice (except confidential personnel files).
ARTICLE 9: CODE OF CONDUCT & SAFEGUARDING
9.1 All members/office-bearers shall sign annual declaration of adherence to Global Policy Section 4 (Code of Ethics) and Section 9 (Child Protection).
9.2 Zero tolerance for corruption, discrimination, harassment. Whistleblower policy with direct hotline to Headquarters.
9.3 Mandatory annual training on safeguarding, anti-corruption, and cultural sensitivity.
❤️ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENTS**
10.1 Proposed by Executive Committee or 1/3 members; circulated 30 days prior.
10.2 Approved by 2/3 majority in AGM/SGM.
10.3 Final ratification required from OISCA International Board of Directors.
10.4 Amended Bye-Laws filed with local Registrar and Headquarters within 30 days.
❤️ARTICLE 11: DISSOLUTION**
11.1 Proposed only in SGM with 21 days’ notice and Headquarters prior consent.
11.2 Approved by 3/4 majority of total membership.
11.3 Assets and liabilities transferred to Headquarters or another OISCA Chapter/approved similar organization (no distribution to members).
11.4 Intimation to local authorities and publication in official gazette/newspaper.
ARTICLE 12: DISPUTE RESOLUTION**
12.1 Internal mediation by President + two neutral members.
12.2 Unresolved matters referred to International Secretariat (Tokyo) whose decision shall be final and binding.
12.3 Jurisdiction: Courts at [Local City] subject to arbitration clause favoring OISCA International rules.
❤️ARTICLE 13: MISCELLANEOUS
13.1 These Bye-Laws shall be read in conjunction with the OISCA Charter, Bylaws (2005), and Global Policy Document 2026; in case of conflict, international documents prevail.
13.2 Any matter not covered shall be decided by Executive Committee subject to Headquarters approval.
13.3 Language: English (official) + local language translation (both equally authentic).
13.4 Commencement: These Bye-Laws come into force immediately upon adoption and Headquarters ratification.
❤️ANNEXURES (Mandatory Forms – 10 pages of templates):
1. Membership Application Form A
2. Nomination Form B
3. Monthly Activity Report Form C
4. Financial Report Format D
5. Code of Ethics Declaration
6. Project Proposal Template
7. Asset Register Format
8. Meeting Minutes Template
9. Whistleblower Form
10. Dissolution/Amendment Resolution Format
CERTIFICATION.
We, the undersigned, certify that these Bye-Laws have been duly adopted and are binding on all members of the [Local Chapter Name] Chapter.
**President** _________________________ **Secretary-General** _________________________
**Date:** _________________________ **Place:** _________________________
**Ratified by OISCA International Headquarters**
**Board Resolution No.** _______________ **Date** _______________
For Immediate Implementation:
1. Register under local NGO laws within 90 days.
2. Submit signed copy + registration certificate to Tokyo Headquarters.
3. Conduct orientation for all existing members within 30 days.
This exhaustive model covers every micro-operational point required for transparent, accountable, and globally aligned functioning of OISCA local chapters worldwide. It ensures uniformity while allowing lawful local adaptation. For jurisdiction-specific customization or digital editable version, contact the International Secretariat at oisca@oisca.org.
Together we nurture the ecological bases of all life on Earth.
Model byelaw prepared by
James Joseph Adhikarathil, Oisca Kottayam Chapter.
9447464502.
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