CENTRE FOR PEOPLES FORESTRY

TRUST DEED
6 th AUGUST, 2003

12-13-445, Street No. 1, Tarnaka, Secunderabad - 500 017. Andhra Pradesh, India. Phones: 091 - 040 - 27014302, 27016038, fax: 040 - 27005243 Email: cpf@cpf-india.org www.cpf-india.org

TRUST DEED OF CENTRE FOR PEOPLES FORESTRY

This Deed of Declaration of Public Charitable Trust executed Secunderabad, this 6th day of August 2002 by 1.

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Mr.S.D.Mukherji S/o Late S.N.Mukherji, Managing Trustee, Age 61 years. Presently residing at Plot No.92, Prashasannagar, Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad 500 033 Mr.K.Rama Rao S/o Late Kolisetti Ganganna, Trustee, Age 47 years. Presently residing at H.No 1-216/186, Kartikeya Nagar, Nacharam, Hyderabad 500 076 Dr. Vijay Rukmini Rao D/o R.Jagpal Rao, Trustee, Age 51 years. Presently residing at Plot No 55, Road No 71, Jubilee Hills Phase III, Opp. Jubilee Public School, Hyderabad 500 033 Dr. Chakravarthi Srinivasa Raghavan Rangachari S/o C.R.S.Raghavan, Trystee, Age 61 years. Presently residing at H.No. 8-2-703/2/A, Road No 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034 Hereinafter called the settlers and/or the Trustees.

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The proposed Trustees have been closely associated with the work of various Institutions involved in Forest/Forest dependent peoples development and are interested in coming together to promote an organization with a global outlook, which will work towards the

livelihoods and development of women and men living in and around forests and dependent totally or partly on forest resources directly or indirectly for their sustenance, and work towards creation of a sustainable natural resource base that restores the built in organic linkages with people and forests and build the capabilities of people further to face the challenges ahead in the changing external environment and for this purpose they have contributed an amount of Rs. 1000/ (Rupees one thousand only) each, towards the corpus of the Trust. Now therefore, this deed of declaration of Public Charitable Trust witnesses as follows: I. Trust: The Public Charitable Trust will be known as Centre for Peoples Forestry, herein - after called CPF and shall be non-profit, non-political and secular in character and shall work towards the development of Indian people - women and men - particularly those belonging to the deprived and marginalized sections irrespective of their religion, race, caste or creed. II. Registered Office: The Registered Office of the Trust shall be situated at H.No 12-13-445, Street No.1 Tarnaka, Secunderabad or such other place in India as may be decided by the Trustees from time to time. III. Objectives: General To build a shift away from the dominant ideas of eminent domain which have governed the relationship between the state and people in respect of all natural resources, including forest resources and to emphasize peoples rights over forest and natural resources and their conservation and management, for the reason that natural resources belong to people.

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Towards (a) above, to study peoples knowledge in conservation and management of forest resources and help in all the initiatives taken up to strengthen people and particularly tribal communities to enable them play effective roles in conservation and management of forest resources and bio-diversity. To critique, collaborate and influence government and the Forest Departments at different levels to put people at the centre stage in the use, conservation and regeneration of forest resources. To study and/or develop the methodologies that would ensure equity to dalits and tribals and gender justice in all the initiatives in the forestry sector and translate the same into specific programmes for implementation with full participation of people. To develop and implement programmes that recognizes the interrelationship between healthy forests and agriculture on one side and healthy forests and water and soil conservation on the other. To help develop public policies that establish the paramountcy of livelihoods of forest dwellers and others dependent on forest resources for survival in conjunction with ensuring healthy and sustainable environment. To ensure that forest dwellers rights and a sustainable environment are given high consideration in public policies and programmes that promote forest and natural resource based industry. To critically study and assess the framework and objectives of National Forest Policy and other policy statements of Governments both at the centre and the states and take all the steps and initiatives necessary to bring them close to people and communities.

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Specific: To emphasize and demonstrate through studies, research and specific field initiatives, the consistency between ensuring fair livelihoods to people and communities from out of the forest resources, on the one side, and conservation and regeneration of such resources for healthy environment, on the other side. To help people and communities participate effectively and critically in such programmes as Joint Forest Management (JFM) and Community Forest Management (CFM) to achieve the above objectives. To promote and nurture capacity building Institutions as well as other peoples institutions that work closely with people, which are needed for the economic and social empowerment of marginalized sections. To integrate gender, dalit and tribal concerns in all the initiatives taken up by the Centre. To study and campaign for the creation of institutions that would ensure the above objectives and also utilize the available institutions like Panchayat Raj that cohere with these objectives. In this, note will be taken of the special provisions of protection of tribal culture and interests in the Panchayat Raj institutions in the scheduled areas. To design and implement projects to foster linkages between different village level institutions related to natural resources on the one hand and between the Panchayats and other institutions such as - VSSs, Watershed committees, farmers associations, Water user associations, women SHGs and other CBO managed committees so that sustainable forest management becomes an integral part of village development plans.

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To train communities in Agro & Forest Bio Diversity related rights as pronounced in CBD (Convention on Biodiversity) and strengthen the local bodies in exercising their discretion in refusing/allowing new/ monoculture varieties in their area and/or enhancing their abilities to deal with the external pressures in the extraction of medicinal plants from the forest. To integrate watershed approach in forest development work and take up other NRM (Natural Resource Management) based initiatives to address the livelihoods of people in a sustainable way. To carry out studies in respect of the afforestation measures taken up by different projects (major and minor irrigation, Industries etc.) and initiate appropriate measures to counter the deviations if any. To carry out studies on the resettlement aspects vis--vis peoples customary rights in the Protected Areas (National Parks and Sanctuaries) and help initiate appropriate measures to strengthen peoples stand. To serve as a center for collecting, storing, collating and disseminating information from different sources. To bring out Newsletters/books/other relevant material (audio/video etc.) in furtherance of the causes mentioned above. To collaborate with other institutions such as Academic, Research, Government, Non Governmental, Community based organizations and Consultancy agencies both National and International in undertaking studies, implementation of projects, sharing of information etc. To take up campaigns, advocacy and lobbying to achieve the above objectives.

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Area of work: To work in any place of the country with special focus on the states of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jarkhand, Bihar and Tamilnadu. Activities: Promoting, assisting and facilitating institutions that are necessary to initiate work among people living in and around forests and/or dependent on forests Formation and strengthening of networks - of agencies and of peoples institutions, working in the field of forest/Natural Resource Management Working in cooperation/collaboration with other national and international institutions in furtherance of the Centres objectives. Carrying out or organizing and facilitating research, training, documentation and pilot projects in the areas relevant to the objectives independently as well as in collaboration with other agencies. Publishing newsletters, books, brochures, pamphlets, hand outs and any other relevant material. Organizing seminars/workshops/consultations at State,National and International levels. Carrying out incidental consultancy work in the areas of - studies/ appraisals/Monitoring and evaluation of projects which are in furtherance of the objects of the Trust, independently or in collaboration with other agencies - towards self reliance of the Trust. Conducting such other activities that may be necessary to further the objectives of the Trust.

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Rules and Regulations: 1. Name of the Trust: The name of the Trust shall be Centre for Peoples Forestry (CPF). Address of the Trust: The address of the trust shall be H.No. 12-13-445, street no 1, Tarnaka, Secunderabad ,500017 or such other place as may be decided by the Trustees from time to time. Trustees: The Board of Trustees shall consist of a maximum of 9 members as Trustees. The first Board of Trustees, whose term of office, is for a period of 5 years from the date of registration of the Trust Deed, shall consist of the following: Managing Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee

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Sri.S.D.Mukherji, Sri.K.Rama Rao, Dr.V.Rukmini Rao, Dr.Rangachari, b.

Notwithstanding the procedure under 4 below for appointment of new trustees, the above trustees may co-opt 5 others on the Trust being registe red. Term of office: Each trustee shall hold office for a term of 5 years, which can be extended further. The Board shall strive to appoint persons as Trustees with care, on the basis of their subscribing to Trusts objects and similar objects whenever filling vacancies.

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Managing Trustee: There shall be a Managing Trustee chosen by, and from among the trustees, subject to the first Managing Trustee being the person named above. The Managing Trustees term is governed by provisions of Article 5 of the Rules and Regulations above, and for purpose of retirement, renomination and termination of membership, the Managing Trustee shall be considered a Trustee. The Managing Trustee shall preside over the meetings of the Board of Trustees and in her/his absence; the members present may elect a chairperson for a specific meeting. The Managing Trustee shall represent the Trust and may sue or be sued in the name of the Trust.

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Honorary Capacity of office bearers: The Trustees, including the Managing Trustee, will function in an honorary capacity and will not draw any honoraria in their capacity as Trustee, Managing Trustee. Removal of Trustees: If any trustee carries out any action detrimental to the interest of the trust or his/her continuance is detrimental to the trust, such a trustee shall be removed from the Board of Trustees after giving him/her an opportunity to explain his/her position, by a majority vote in the meeting of the Board and the fact shall be intimated to the Trustee in writing. Special Invitees: For every Board of Trustees meeting, two members from Centre for World Solidarity, two members from the partner groups are to be invited.

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Representatives from the Government and other relevant persons may also be invited as special invitees. 9. Director - Secretary There shall be a full time Director appointed (on salary) by the Managing Trustee in consultation with other Trustees. The Director shall be in charge of the day to day running of CPF as Chief Functionary of the Trust and such other duties as may be entrusted to her/him by the Managing Trustee in furtherance of the decisions of the Board of Trustees, including heading the staff team. The Director shall be an ex officio Secretary of the Trust and shall be in charge of convening of meetings, maintenance of records and such other duties as may be entrusted to her/him by the Managing Trustee in furtherance of the decisions of the Board of Trustees. 10. Trust Meetings: The Board of trustees shall meet at least once a year and as often as necessary at the registered office of the Trust or at such places as they may decide from time to time. Circular Resolutions: Any business requiring urgent approval by the Board of Trustees shall be transacted by circulation among the trustees by the Director in consultation with the Managing Trustee. Such approval shall be placed before the next meeting of the Board for ratification. Annual meetings with Partners: The Board of Trustees, through its Managing Trustee, Secretary and other staff shall convene an Annual Meeting of representatives of all those groups and individuals, as appropriate with whom the Trust works. The subjects to be discussed in such meetings includes review of work in the previous year, proposed future work of the Trust, presentation of

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financial reports and such other matters suggested by the Trustees, staff of the Trust and the assembled group representatives with a view to improve the work of the Trust. The trustees, staff of the trust shall be invited to such meetings. Concerned Government officials and other agencies carrying out similar work shall also be invited. This meeting is entitled to receive reports of the work of the Trust as also annual audited statements of accounts. The Board shall consider in the fullest measure the recommendations of such annual meetings in carrying out its tasks. 13. 1. Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees: The Board shall have the powers: To manage the work of the Trust and to formulate policies, rules and bye-laws for the effective management of the Trust and amend the same from time to time to meet all exigencies throughprocedures laid down in the initially formulated bye-laws. To recommend, sanction, grant or give donations to other institutions with similar objects. To receive/accept donations in any form, to raise funds by advertisements in Publications organized by the Trust, by service charges, by contributions and by subscriptions. To purchase or take on lease lands, buildings, equipments, materials and things, to erect and maintain buildings and other constructions and to sell, mortgage, dispose of or otherwise deal with all or any of the same as the Board of Trustees may think fit and proper. To make grant and give loans, or borrow sum or sums of money as they may think fit and proper, to control and manage the assets of the Trust and to execute, become party to sign, acknowledge, perfect and register all deeds, agreements, contracts, amounts, receipts and other documents

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and writings and to give effectual discharge on behalf of and against the Trust. 6. To appoint from time to time, staff - professional, technical, nontechnical and other - with such powers and duties and upon such terms as to duration of office, remuneration or otherwise as may be appropriate and at any time to suspend, dismiss, terminate, or discharge any such of them as the Board of Trustees shall think proper or necessary. To open and close accounts in the name of the Trust in any nationalized bank, scheduled bank, post office and to operate such accounts and otherwise deal with the same. To insure and keep insured, if deemed expedient, all or any of the buildings and other assets of the Trust. To invest surplus funds, if any, of the Trust in securities approved by the law relating to Trusts as per IT Act 1961, or in such manner as the Board of Trustees may think fit and proper in the best interest of the Trust. To formulate procedures and methods including staff service rules for the functioning of the Trust. To delegate to the Managing Trustee all or any of the powers, authorities and directions vested in the Board of Trustees and generally to carry out such transactions as the Board of Trustees considers expedient in the best interest of the Trust and to make all such arrangements and such acts and things on behalf of the Trust as may be usually necessary, desirable or expedient in the

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efficient management of the affairs of the Trust or in carrying out the objectives of the Trust. 14. Operation of Bank Accounts: The Managing Trustee, one of the Trustees and the Director, any two signatures being required for drawl, will operate each bank account of the Trust. Maintenance of Books of Accounts: Regular books of accounts of the Trust shall be maintained incorporating all the revenue and expenditure and such books shall be closed once every 31st March, the first year ending being on 31st March 2003. The same shall be got audited by a Chartered Accountant appointed or reappointed every year and the necessary returns shall be filed with the authorities. Amendment of the Trust Deed: The Trust Deed may be amended by a resolution passed by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the Trustees present and voting in a meeting of the Board of Trustees called for the purpose. Any addition, alteration or deletion to the existing objectives of the Trust shall be made only with the prior approval of the Commissioner of Income Tax concerned. Properties Vested in the Trust: The Board of Trustees shall hold the properties or funds which may hereafter belong to the Trust and expend the income arising thereof for the use and purpose of the Trust and the institutions, if any, under the Trust. The Trust may receive funds including donations and contributions from the Governments, State and Central; National and

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International Foundations, funding agencies, individuals and institutions to further its objectives. The Board of Trustees shall, from out of the income thus realized, expend such sum or sums of money as it may deem fit and proper towards the maintenance of the properties of the Trust in good and tenantable condition and meet all expenses which the Board of Trustees may think necessary for the proper management of the Trust and for carrying out its programmes efficiently. 18. Funds: The funds of the Trust shall be utilized only for the attainment of the objects of the Trust and no portion thereof shall be transferred or paid directly or indirectly to any of its members or their relatives Dissolution of Trust: In the event of dissolution of the Trust the properties and funds shall be transferred and paid to some other institution having similar objectives, which has been registered under section 12A of the Income Tax Act. Non-profit nature of the Trust: The trust herein declared shall not undertake any activity of profit for the benefit of its members. However, any incidental revenue derived shall be utilized for achievement of the objects of the Trust. Legal Jurisdiction: The cases pertaining to the Trust shall be filed and tried in the court/s in Hyderabad only.

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Irrevocable nature of the Trust: This Deed of declaration of Trust and the Trust herein declared as irrevocable. The matters not touched upon in this present Trust Deed shall be governed by the Indian Trust Act, 1882.

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