top of page

GOVERNANCE & TRANSPARENCY

Our Commitment to Accountability

OMCAR Foundation is committed to responsible governance, financial accountability, ethical conduct, scientific integrity and transparency.

As a non-profit organisation working with communities, government institutions, researchers, students, donors and conservation partners, we recognise that public trust must be supported by clear governance, accurate reporting and responsible use of resources.

We therefore seek to make key institutional, statutory, financial and organisational information publicly accessible while protecting confidential, personal, banking and ecologically sensitive information.

LEGAL IDENTITY

Legal Name
OMCAR Foundation

Expanded Name
Organization for Marine Conservation, Awareness and Research

Year Established
2007

Legal Status
Registered non-profit / charitable trust

Trust Registration Number

Date of Registration

Registered Office Address

PAN

STATUTORY REGISTRATIONS

OMCAR Foundation maintains the statutory registrations applicable to its charitable and conservation activities in India.

12AB Registration

Registration Number:

Validity:

[Download 12AB Certificate]

80G Registration

Registration Number:

Validity:

[Download 80G Certificate]

FCRA Registration

OMCAR Foundation is registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act for receiving eligible foreign contributions in accordance with applicable Government of India regulations.

FCRA Registration Number:
075960139

Current Validity:

[Download Current FCRA Certificate]

NGO Darpan

NGO Darpan ID:

[View / Download Registration]

CSR-1 Registration

CSR-1 Registration Number:

[Download CSR-1 Registration]

GOVERNANCE

OMCAR Foundation is governed in accordance with its registered trust deed, applicable Indian laws and approved organisational procedures.

The Board of Trustees provides institutional oversight, while the Director and programme team are responsible for implementing the organisation’s conservation, research, education, community and administrative activities.

The governance structure is intended to support accountability, appropriate financial oversight, responsible decision-making and continuity of the organisation’s mission.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

____________________________

Role: ____________________________

Professional Background:

____________________________

Role: ____________________________

Professional Background:

____________________________

Role: ____________________________

Professional Background:

____________________________

Role: ____________________________

Professional Background:

Only the current legally recognised trustees should be displayed on this page.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Dr. V. Balaji Vedharajan

Founder & Director

Dr. V. Balaji Vedharajan founded OMCAR Foundation in 2007 with a long-term commitment to marine and coastal conservation through field science, community participation, environmental education and institutional collaboration.

His technical interests include seagrass ecology and restoration, dugong conservation, mangrove restoration, marine biodiversity, GIS and spatial conservation, field-based ecological monitoring and community-based conservation.

The Director is responsible for institutional leadership, programme direction, scientific and technical coordination, external partnerships and implementation oversight within the governance framework of OMCAR Foundation.

SCIENTIFIC AND INSTITUTIONAL ADVISORS

OMCAR Foundation benefits from the guidance of experienced scientists and conservation professionals.

Dr. K. Venkataraman

Former Director, Zoological Survey of India

Area of guidance:

Dr. T. Balasubramanian

Former Dean, Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai University

Area of guidance:

Additional current advisors, if any, may be added after confirmation.

OUR TEAM

OMCAR Foundation maintains a multidisciplinary team supporting conservation science, field implementation, community engagement, education, administration, project management, monitoring and logistics.

The team may include:

  • Scientists and researchers

  • Project and programme staff

  • GIS and field personnel

  • Community coordinators

  • Conservation trainees and fellows

  • Administration and finance staff

  • Field assistants and support personnel

[Meet Our Team]

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

OMCAR Foundation is committed to maintaining proper financial records, statutory audit processes and responsible use of funds.

Financial resources received from donors and partners are managed according to approved project budgets, applicable Indian regulations, donor agreements and organisational financial procedures.

The organisation aims to maintain clear documentation for:

  • Income and expenditure

  • Project-wise financial management

  • Approved budgets

  • Procurement and payments

  • Statutory audit

  • Foreign contribution compliance

  • Donor reporting

  • Supporting financial records

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OMCAR Foundation makes recent audited financial statements publicly available.

Financial Year 2024–2025

[Download Audited Financial Statements]

Financial Year 2023–2024

[Download Audited Financial Statements]

Financial Year 2022–2023

[Download Audited Financial Statements]

Additional earlier audited statements may be added progressively.

Earlier Years

2021–2022
[Download]

2020–2021
[Download]

2019–2020
[Download]

Only audited statements that have been formally approved and verified should be uploaded.

ANNUAL REPORTS

Annual reports provide an overview of OMCAR Foundation’s programmes, conservation activities, partnerships, community engagement, institutional development and key outcomes.

2025–2026

[Download Annual Report]

2024–2025

[Download Annual Report]

2023–2024

[Download Annual Report]

2022–2023

[Download Annual Report]

Only completed and approved reports should appear on the website.

ORGANISATIONAL POLICIES

OMCAR Foundation is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, ethical and accountable working environment for staff, volunteers, students, researchers, partners and community participants.

The following policies form part of OMCAR Foundation’s institutional governance framework.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

This policy sets standards for appropriate conduct, prevention of harm and protection of children, young people and vulnerable persons participating in OMCAR activities.

[Download Policy]

Prevention of Sexual Harassment – POSH Policy

OMCAR Foundation is committed to maintaining a workplace free from sexual harassment, discrimination and intimidation and to complying with applicable Indian law.

[Download Policy]

Anti-Fraud, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy

This policy establishes standards intended to prevent fraud, bribery, corruption, financial misconduct and misuse of organisational resources.

[Download Policy]

Conflict of Interest Policy

This policy provides procedures for identifying, declaring and managing actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

[Download Policy]

Whistleblower and Grievance Policy

This policy provides mechanisms for staff, stakeholders and partners to raise legitimate concerns in good faith.

[Download Policy]

Financial Management and Procurement Policy

This policy provides guidance on budgeting, approvals, expenditure, procurement, documentation, asset management and financial accountability.

[Download Policy]

Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy

This policy guides OMCAR Foundation in identifying and managing potential environmental and social risks associated with conservation and community activities.

[Download Policy]

Data Protection and Privacy Policy

This policy guides the responsible collection, storage, use and protection of personal, research and programme information.

[Download Policy]

Policies should only be published once they are formally approved by OMCAR Foundation.

ETHICAL CONDUCT

OMCAR Foundation expects staff, consultants, volunteers, trainees and representatives to act professionally, respectfully and responsibly.

Our institutional expectations include:

  • Respect for local communities and traditional knowledge

  • Appropriate professional behaviour

  • Non-discrimination

  • Responsible handling of project funds and assets

  • Accurate reporting

  • Scientific integrity

  • Respect for confidentiality

  • Prevention of conflicts of interest

  • Responsible use of organisational information

  • Compliance with applicable law and donor requirements

SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY

OMCAR Foundation seeks to ensure that scientific and technical information used in its work is based on appropriate methods, field evidence, published scientific knowledge and qualified technical input.

Scientific claims should, wherever possible, be supported by:

  • Field data

  • Monitoring records

  • Peer-reviewed publications

  • Technical reports

  • Government records

  • GIS or spatial evidence

  • Independent institutional documentation

OMCAR aims to distinguish clearly between preliminary observations, research findings, management recommendations and formal government decisions.

RESPONSIBLE COMMUNICATION

OMCAR Foundation seeks to communicate its work accurately and responsibly.

We aim to:

  • Present verified facts

  • Avoid overstating conservation outcomes

  • Clearly acknowledge government agencies and partner institutions

  • Recognise the contribution of fishing communities and local stakeholders

  • Distinguish organisational contributions from Government decisions

  • Correct material errors when identified

  • Use measurable evidence wherever possible

  • Avoid claiming partnerships or achievements that cannot be documented

PARTNERSHIPS AND INSTITUTIONAL COLLABORATION

OMCAR Foundation works through collaboration with government departments, research institutions, universities, conservation organisations, donors and communities.

Partnerships may include:

Government Collaboration
Conservation implementation, field coordination, training, research and management support.

Technical Collaboration
Scientific surveys, research, ecological assessment, monitoring and technical guidance.

Academic Collaboration
Research, student training, internships, field learning and knowledge exchange.

Funding Partnerships
Financial support for approved conservation, education, research and community programmes.

Memoranda of Understanding
Formal institutional collaborations covering agreed areas of cooperation.

Each partner should be described according to the actual nature of the relationship.

[View Our Partners]

[View Memoranda of Understanding]

COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY

Fishing communities and coastal residents are important stakeholders in OMCAR Foundation’s work.

The organisation seeks to engage communities respectfully, recognise traditional ecological knowledge and consider the livelihood implications of conservation activities.

Community-based projects should promote:

  • Appropriate consultation

  • Respectful participation

  • Voluntary engagement

  • Clear communication

  • Feedback mechanisms

  • Appropriate grievance procedures

  • Recognition of local knowledge and experience

FEEDBACK AND GRIEVANCES

OMCAR Foundation welcomes constructive feedback regarding its programmes, staff conduct or organisational activities.

Community members, partners, staff and other stakeholders may raise concerns through the following contact:

Email:

Designated Grievance Contact:

Telephone:

Confidential complaints may be directed to an appropriate Trustee or designated safeguarding / grievance focal person.

DONOR AND PARTNER DUE DILIGENCE

Institutional donors, government agencies, universities and authorised partners may request additional documentation during formal due diligence.

Subject to appropriate confidentiality requirements, OMCAR Foundation may provide:

  • Trust Deed

  • Registration Certificate

  • PAN documentation

  • 12AB Certificate

  • 80G Certificate

  • FCRA Certificate

  • CSR-1 registration

  • NGO Darpan registration

  • Audited financial statements

  • Relevant statutory filings

  • Board and Trustee information

  • Organisational policies

  • Project agreements

  • Technical reports

  • Monitoring reports

  • Institutional references

  • Bank verification information where legitimately required

DOCUMENT CENTRE

Registration and Compliance

[Trust Registration Certificate]

[12AB Certificate]

[80G Certificate]

[FCRA Certificate]

[CSR-1 Registration]

[NGO Darpan Registration]

Governance

[Trust Deed]

[Board of Trustees]

[Governance Framework]

Financial

[2024–2025 Audited Financial Statements]

[2023–2024 Audited Financial Statements]

[2022–2023 Audited Financial Statements]

Policies

[Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy]

[POSH Policy]

[Anti-Fraud, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy]

[Conflict of Interest Policy]

[Whistleblower and Grievance Policy]

[Financial Management and Procurement Policy]

[Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy]

[Data Protection and Privacy Policy]

Reports

[Annual Reports]

[Project Reports]

[Technical Reports]

[Publications]

TRANSPARENCY STATEMENT

OMCAR Foundation recognises that trust must be earned through responsible governance, transparent financial management, accurate communication and measurable conservation outcomes.

We are committed to strengthening our governance systems, improving public access to institutional information and maintaining appropriate accountability to communities, government agencies, donors, partners and the wider public.

At the same time, OMCAR protects information that should not be publicly disclosed, including personal data, confidential contractual information, sensitive ecological information and banking or security-related details.

CONTACT FOR GOVERNANCE AND DUE DILIGENCE

Director
OMCAR Foundation

Address:

Email:
director@omcar.org

Telephone:

For specific statutory, financial or governance enquiries, authorised institutions may contact OMCAR Foundation directly.

bottom of page