cross-posting to foundation-l & internal-l from India Community list; apologies if
you've read this already.
hisham
Begin forwarded message:
From: Hisham <hmundol(a)wikimedia.org>
Subject: Wikimedia India Program Trust
Date: November 11, 2011 9:55:00 AM GMT+05:30
To: Wikimedia India Community list <wikimediaindia-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Hi Folks,
I'm writing to share an update with you on certain developments of relevance to the
Wikimedia movement in India.
Announcement of Wikimedia India Program Trust
For some time, efforts have gone into creating an organization that would provide an
appropriate structure to support Wikimedia program activities in India. Aspects such as
the current regulatory framework (regarding funding, taxation, etc.) as well as the legal
protection for the India team have been considered to determine this structure. In this
context, a host of options (e.g. subsidiary, branch, Section 25) were evaluated and a
determination was made towards an independent non-profit public trust. Legal advice has
been taken at every stage in this decision.
A new entity, the “Wikimedia India Program Trust”, has now been formed and registered (in
Delhi.) This will be the organization that will eventually drive India programs and house
the team in India.
Why an Independent Public Trust?
The Trust will provide an effective vehicle within India to marshal resources to support
programs and partner with local institutions. The objective of the Trust is to promote the
objectives of the Wikimedia movement and work closely with the Wikimedia community on
various projects with an India focus. It is important to understand that the Trust will
not have any editorial control over content on any of the Wikimedia projects. The Trust is
a not for profit organization.
Introduction of Trustees
Trustees have been identified based upon their support for Wikimedia movement's
principles and plans in addition to having reputations for good governance and
management.
Sunil Abraham and Rahul Matthan have been requested to be the initial Trustees. Both are
friends of Wikipedia and have extensive experience.
Sunil is Executive Director of the Centre for Internet & Society (CIS), is a long
term advocate of free software and IP reform and has been supporting the Wikimedia
community and movement for some time now.
Rahul is a partner and heads the technology practice at Trilegal. He brings deep
expertise and relationships that will be valuable for the Trust.
These initial Trustees will serve for a term of three years at the maximum. All
additional or subsequent Trustees will serve on rotation in accordance with a trustee
selection plan that will be prepared.
Trustees will not be compensated for their services.
Governance, Funding, Financial Standards & Communications of the Trust
The Trust will be governed by Trustees who will provide oversight and guidance regarding
the operations and governance of the Trust.
Since the Trust is an independent organization, it will require funding for its
operations which is in compliance with the legal and regulatory framework in India. It
will seek funding from private donors within India as well as external sources.
The Trust has the support of the Wikimedia Foundation which is a United States based
non-profit foundation. However, in India all non-profit organizations need to be in
existence for 3 years before they can receive funding from sources outside India. In the
interim, they can apply for prior-permission under the FCRA regulations to help expedite
the process. As a result, the Trust will shortly be applying for approval to receive funds
from the Wikimedia Foundation in the future.
As a Trust, we are required to have an independent external auditor. We have appointed
KPMG. KPMG is experienced in auditing non-profit companies and are also auditors for the
Wikimedia Foundation.
Annually, the Trust will publicly disclose it's independently audited financial
statements.
The Trust will publish a monthly newsletter outlining its current activities and future
plans. This will commence in December 2011.
Operations of the Trust
The trust deed under which the Trust must operate clearly states that the purpose of the
Trust is to independently promote the growth of volunteer activities within India in
support of effective and unrestricted dissemination of free knowledge to the public.
I will serve as the Executive Director of the Trust. Once it is possible, additional
employees will be brought on to the Trust
The Trust will eventually have an office in Delhi.
In the interim, I have personally secured temporary office space to facilitate
establishing the Trust and its mission. It is located at Top Floor, G-15, Hauz Khas, New
Delhi - 110 016. It's a couple of minutes walk away from IIT Flyover and Hauz Khas
Metro. Do drop in! It's a small but cozy place and we'd love to have you over!
Conclusion
We continue to make progress in setting up program activities to support the growth of
Wikimedia in India. We have a long way to go, but are glad that we are starting to build a
solid foundation.
The following link is for FAQs on this (and related) topics:
http://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/FAQ_India_Programs/FAQ_Wikimedia_India_Progr…
As always, do reach out if you have any comments or questions.
Warm Regards,
hisham