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_Program_Trust