Maximising Goodness with Charitable Donations

Charitable donations are a powerful way for individuals to make a positive impact on society while enjoying potential tax benefits. When you contribute to a cause you believe in, not only are you supporting a noble endeavour, but you may also get income taxdeduction under section 80G of the Income Tax (IT) Act. Understanding the ins and outs of tax exemption donations can empower you to make a difference while optimising your financial position.

Ways to Reduce Income Tax

Choose the Best NGO in India

The first step in maximising tax benefits for your donations is to ensure you contribute to a qualified charitable organisation. These organisations are typically registered as nonprofits and can provide you with the necessary documentation for tax purposes. Check the official list of approved NGOs in India to make sure your chosen cause is eligible.

Itemise Your Deductions

To avail of tax benefits, you need to itemise your deductions when filing your income tax return. Instead of taking the standard deduction, which is a fixed amount set by the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), listing your eligible expenses individually can potentially lead to a larger deduction. Keep detailed records of your charitable contributions, including receipts and acknowledgement letters from the organisations you support.

Understand the Limitations

While charitable contributions can help you get tax exemption, there are limitations to the 80G deductions. Generally, the IRS allows you to deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash donations to public charities. For non-cash donations or contributions to private foundations, different rules may apply. Be sure to consult the latest tax guidelines or seek advice from a tax professional.

Tips on Maximising Donations

Give Wisely and Strategically

Consider making larger donations in specific years to maximise your tax benefits. If you anticipate a higher income in a particular year, increasing your charitable contributions can help offset your tax liability. Planning your donations strategically can make a significant difference in optimising your overall financial picture.

Go online for donations

Don't limit your contributions to cash alone. Non-cash donations, such as online donations, can also qualify for tax deductions. Keep records of the online certificates and tax exemption certificates. 

Take Advantage of Employer Matching Programmes

Many employers offer matching gift programmes, where they match their employees' charitable contributions. Check if your employer participates in such programmes. This not only increases the impact of your donation but benefits of tax exemption too.

Bringing It All Together - Akshaya Patra

As you embark on your journey of philanthropy, it's worth considering organisations like Akshaya Patra, which focuses on eradicating hunger and promoting education. Akshaya Patra is known for its impactful initiatives, particularly for providing mid-day meals to school children across India.

Donors supporting Akshaya Patra can experience the joy of contributing to a cause that makes a substantial difference in the lives of children. From a tax perspective, donors also stand to benefit under section 80G. Akshaya Patra is a registered nonprofit organisation, ensuring that your contributions are eligible for tax deductions.

By contributing to AkshayaPatra, you align yourself with a cause that not only resonates with your values but also allows you to optimise your financial position through tax benefits. 

In the realm of charitable donations, the synergy between doing good and receiving tax benefits is a win-win situation. As a common man navigating the complexities of income tax, understanding the nuances of charitable contributions can be empowering. By strategically choosing the right causes, maximising contributions and exploring all available avenues, you not only make a positive impact on society but also optimise your financial well-being.

Choosing to support organisations like Akshaya Patra adds an extra layer of fulfilment to your philanthropic journey. By contributing to a cause that addresses crucial issues like hunger and education, you not only benefit from potential tax deductions but also become an integral part of transformative change in the lives of those less fortunate. So, as you embark on your journey of giving, remember that your contributions have the power to make the world a better place for everyone.

The Significance of Girl Child Education and Mid-Day Meals

 In the diverse tapestry of India, where traditions intermingle with progress, the importance of girl education stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The nation's path to prosperity depends heavily on the inclusion and empowerment of its female population. While India has made substantial strides in education, gender disparities persist, making the role of NGOs and initiatives like the PM POSHAN Programme (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) crucial. This article explores the pivotal significance of girl education in India, the impactful role played by NGOs and the transformative influence of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan on girl children and their education.

The Current Landscape of Girl Child Education in India

Despite notable advancements in multiple sectors, India continues to grapple with disparities in access to education, predominantly along gender lines. Several factors contribute to this persistent inequality, encompassing cultural norms, economic constraints and deeply ingrained societal biases. Consequently, many girls across India confront formidable obstacles on their path to acquiring quality education.

Statistics reveal the stark reality of gender-based disparities in education:

• The National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data indicates that nearly 27% of Indian girls between the ages of 15 and 18 are not in school.

• The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 found that the gender gap in reading and math proficiency among children aged 14-18 is evident, with girls facing a significant disadvantage.

The Significance of Girl Child Education

The importance of girl education is multifaceted and has far-reaching implications for India's socio-economic development:

Economic Empowerment: Educated girls are more likely to secure gainful employment and contribute to their families' income, reducing the cycle of poverty.

Health and Well-being: Educated girls tend to make informed decisions about their health and family planning, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes.

Empowerment: Education equips girls with knowledge and confidence, enabling them to participate actively in their communities and advocate for their rights.

Reduced Child Marriage: Educated girls are less likely to be married off at a young age, fostering their personal and professional growth.

The Role of NGOs in Promoting Girl Education

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in advancing girl education in India. These organisations support government’s welfare programmes like the school feeding programme, anganwadi feeding, etc. These NGOs address root causes, eliminate barriers and champion the importance of educating girls. Through a spectrum of initiatives, charities contribute significantly to bridging the gender gap in education:

• Scholarships and Financial Support: Many NGOs provide scholarships that cover tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms and other essential school supplies, ensuring that girls have the resources needed to attend school regularly.

• Infrastructure Development: NGOs often collaborate with schools to improve infrastructure, build classrooms and establish safe and girl-friendly learning environments. These efforts create inclusive spaces where girls feel welcomed and encouraged to pursue their education.

• Community Awareness: NGOs engage in community outreach to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding girl education, encouraging parents and communities to support.

• Skill Development: Several NGOs focus on enhancing girls' life skills, making them more resilient and self-reliant.

• Mentorship Programmes: Some organisations provide mentorship programmes that connect girls with successful women in various fields, offering inspiration and guidance.

The Transformative Power of Mid-Day Meals 

One of India's most impactful initiatives, the MDM Scheme, has been instrumental in promoting girl education and alleviating the challenges faced by underprivileged children. The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan is implemented by many charities in India and one of the trusted organisation – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, has been feeding meals since 2000. It provides hot and nutritious meals to 2 million school-going children across 67 locations of the country. 

Its impact on girl children and their education is remarkable:

Increased Enrolment: The PM POSHAN Programme serves as a powerful incentive for parents to send their daughters to school. By providing a daily meal, it eases the financial burden on families and ensures that more girls attend school regularly.

Improved Nutrition: Malnutrition is a huge impediment to learning. The scheme addresses this issue by providing nutritious meals, enhancing the cognitive development of girls, enabling better focus on studies and improving academic performance.

Enhanced Concentration: Adequate nutrition helps children concentrate better in class, leading to increased attendance, participation and overall learning outcomes.

Gender Equality: By addressing the nutritional needs of girls, the MDM Scheme actively contributes to reducing gender-based disparities in education, fostering an environment of equality.

Social Inclusion: The shared experience of having meals together in school promotes social inclusion and breaks down barriers related to caste and class. It encourages girls from marginalised backgrounds to attend school, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.

As of 2021, the female literacy rate in India had improved, standing at 77.8%, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO).

The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 emphasised that girls' enrolment in elementary education has increased significantly, contributing to gender parity.

Girl education is not just a societal aspiration; it is a strategic imperative for India's holistic development. NGOs, alongside government programmes such as the PM POSHAN Programme, are playing pivotal roles in ensuring that every girl has access to quality education. It is the duty of the  society, individuals and organisations to recognise the transformative potential of educating girls and to support these initiatives through charitable donations.

Donate to a charity by investing in girl education. By doing so, you secure India’s future, nurture empowered leaders and contribute to the creation of a prosperous, inclusive and equitable society. The journey towards this goal necessitates collective action and a resolute commitment to bridging the gender gap in education, ultimately advancing the nation towards a brighter, more equal future.

Beating Hunger with Mid-Day Meals

"An empty stomach is not a good political advisor." 

These timeless words of Albert Einstein encapsulate the profound connection between hunger and the well-being of nations. 

Hunger remains a burning issue globally, with millions of people in developing and underdeveloped countries struggling to secure their daily sustenance. One among the developing nations, India is making significant strides in combating this challenge, where government initiatives like the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme) have garnered much acclaim. 

Today, India is the most populous country in the world, and yet has shown remarkable progress on both the political and economic front. But it also understands the threat of chronic hunger and the need to support its socioeconomically challenged communities in ending the vicious cycle of poverty and the resulting malnourishment.

Providing nutritious school meals is a successful intervention by the Indian government in this domain. It not only guarantees the well-being of government school children from low-income families but also addresses the underlying issues in economic growth, education, sustainable progress and inclusive development. 

By collaborating with government bodies, local authorities and self-help groups, PM POSHAN Abhiyaan also helps empower underprivileged communities by employing them or using raw materials and other resources they produce.

Battling Hunger with Mid-Day Meals

The Government of India started the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme (now called the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) in 2001 to support children's growth requirements with free nutritious meals in government and government-aided primary schools.

Several NGOs partnered with the government for the effective implementation of the programme and promote its zero hunger goals. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one of these NGOs that works in a public-private partnership to provide mid-day meals to school children from underserved communities. 

Nutritional Guidelines for Mid-Day Meal Preparation

Guidelines by the Supreme Court of India

• Every child must get a minimum of 300 calories and 8-12 grams of protein per day.

• Adequate nutrition must be provided on all school days for a minimum of 200 days.

Mid-Day Meal Guidelines by the Ministry of Education

• Every meal must contain carbohydrates, proteins and micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid, Vitamin A, etc.

• Primary school children must receive at least 450 calories with 12 grams of protein

• Upper primary and secondary school children must receive 700 calories with 20 grams of protein.

Donate online towards Zero Hunger and avail tax exemption

Hunger erodes the very foundation of progress. Those suffering from malnutrition struggle to tap into their true potential, leaving the nation bereft of future scientists, artists and political leaders. Just as "you cannot make bricks without straw", we must first address hunger to attain a robust and thriving India. 

Thus, let us unite and ensure that no stomach remains empty and no dreams are left unfulfilled. Let us be the architects of change by contributing towards mid-day meals for school children and build a nation where no one knows the pangs of hunger.

When you donate to registered NGOs in India, you also become eligible to avail tax exemption on every contribution you make

Nourishing children with meals as they come #BackToSchool

 Every corridor and classroom missed the giggles and chatter of children during the summer break. With the holidays coming to end, children are ready for a new start towards a better future. However, there are children in India who come from backgrounds with limited opportunities. To support these children and ensure their return to school is memorable, several NGOs run #BackToSchool campaigns that help in the overall development of children and raise awareness against hunger and work towards achieving the UN Sustainable Goal of ‘Zero Hunger’.

Akshaya Patra organises a comprehensive Back to School campaign to make sure that every child has access to mid-day meals every school day and that no child is denied their right to an education because of their socioeconomic circumstances, family history or any other reason. This campaign aims to increase understanding of and support for midday meals, which are essential for ensuring that children from challenging backgrounds continue their education.

Education breeds a better tomorrow

The cornerstone of a child's future wellbeing is education. Education opens up many options for children to live better lives. It has the potential to influence society as a whole. An individual can assist the nation's growth and advancement at a quicker rate if they have the proper education. 

Schools are gateways to education. Since most children still don't know what they want to accomplish with their lives, school helps them learn about themselves and the outside world. 

The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan is a scheme that helps children from challenging backgrounds come to school every day and continue their education, enabling them to strive for a better tomorrow. 

PM POSHAN Abhiyaan: How it motivates children to come #backtoschool

The Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan strives to enhance children's nutritional profiles through wholesome mid-day meals every school day. Earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme, this scheme plays a major role in bringing children back to school. There are many children who struggle to have one nutritious meal every day because of their family’s financial limitations. So, Mid-Day Meal (MDM) acts as an incentive that encourages parents to send their children to school.

This account below will explain the significance of PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in helping children return to school. Bhagya Heeraiah Hiremath is a Class 7 student of GHPS Rajeevgandhinagar at Dharwad in Karnataka. She is a beneficiary of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan implemented by The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

NGOs in India constantly strive to provide the best resources to underprivileged children and help them pursue their education and dreams. Your contribution to NGOs like Akshaya Patra will enable children with another year of learning and healthy school meals.