Governance

Governance at Drishti Foundation – Leadership with Accountability and Transparency

At Drishti Foundation, governance is more than a compliance requirement, it is the backbone of our credibility, impact, and sustainability. Since our establishment on 16 July 1998 under the Rajasthan Society Act, 1958 (Registration No. 64/Alwar/1998-99), we have operated with a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and participatory decision-making. Over the last 27 successful years, we have built a governance structure that ensures every initiative we undertake in public policy, research and development, environmental conservation, and higher education is executed with integrity and measurable results.

Our Governance Philosophy

We believe that strong governance is the foundation for sustainable social impact. It is the mechanism that ensures that our mission, vision, and values translate into real-world actions. For us, governance means not only adhering to legal and regulatory requirements but also going beyond compliance to adopt best practices in organisational management, financial stewardship, and stakeholder engagement.

Drishti Foundation’s governance model is guided by three core principles:

  1. Transparency – Open sharing of information, decisions, and performance outcomes with our stakeholders.
  2. Accountability – Clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for leadership, management, and project teams.
  3. Participation – Involving community members, partners, and beneficiaries in the decision-making process to ensure relevance and ownership.

Organisational Structure

Our governance is anchored in a democratically elected Governing Body, supported by a dedicated Executive Committee and specialised advisory panels. This structure allows for strategic oversight, operational efficiency, and subject-matter expertise to work together seamlessly.

  • Governing Body – The highest decision-making authority responsible for setting long-term strategy, approving budgets, and ensuring that the Foundation remains true to its mission.
  • Executive Committee – Oversees the implementation of the Governing Body’s directives, manages day-to-day operations, and ensures compliance with statutory and organisational policies.
  • Advisory Panels – Comprising experts in public policy, environmental science, higher education, and research methodology who provide insights and guide project development.
  • Project Management Teams – Implement initiatives on the ground, working closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

This structure enables us to maintain strategic direction at the top level while ensuring efficient execution at the grassroots level.

Roles and Responsibilities

Every role in our governance framework is defined with clarity to avoid duplication of efforts and to promote efficiency, responsibility, and collaboration.

  • President / Chairperson – Provides overall leadership, represents the Foundation in national and international forums, and ensures alignment with the mission.
  • Vice President – Supports the President and steps in when necessary to maintain organisational continuity.
  • Secretary – Maintains records, coordinates meetings, and ensures effective internal and external communication.
  • Treasurer – Oversees financial management, ensures transparency in accounting, and leads budgeting processes.
  • Board Members – Contribute to policy formulation, strategic guidance, and resource mobilisation.

Decision-Making Process

At Drishti Foundation, decisions are made through inclusive consultations involving board members, executive staff, and, where relevant, community representatives. This collaborative approach ensures that decisions are informed, context-sensitive, and aligned with our values.

All major decisions – such as the approval of annual budgets, the launch of new initiatives, or the adoption of strategic plans – are taken through formal meetings, documented in minutes, and shared with stakeholders for transparency.

Compliance and Ethical Standards

We strictly adhere to the provisions of the Rajasthan Society Act, 1958 and all applicable national laws. Our governance policies are aligned with international best practices, including principles from the United Nations Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To maintain the highest ethical standards:

  • We have a Code of Ethics that governs the behaviour of all members, employees, and partners.
  • We conduct regular audits by certified external auditors.
  • We maintain publicly accessible annual reports with detailed financial disclosures.

Financial Governance

Responsible financial management is a cornerstone of our governance. We ensure that every rupee is used efficiently and for its intended purpose. Our financial governance framework includes:

  • Annual budgeting and quarterly financial reviews.
  • Transparent procurement policies to prevent conflicts of interest.
  • Donor reporting mechanisms that meet or exceed expectations.
  • External audits to verify compliance and performance.

This approach has helped us build trust with our funders, partners, and the communities we serve.

Stakeholder Engagement

We recognise that our work affects a wide range of stakeholders, from grassroots communities to international partners. Therefore, we prioritise open communication, regular consultations, and collaborative planning. Our governance system encourages stakeholders to provide feedback and participate in shaping our strategies.

Through community meetings, partner roundtables, and digital outreach, we ensure that diverse voices contribute to our direction and priorities.

Governance and Global Engagement

Our governance framework also supports international collaborations. By maintaining strong internal accountability, we are able to engage with global bodies such as the United Nations, participate in the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and partner with organisations worldwide.

This global engagement ensures that our governance model is informed by international standards while remaining rooted in local realities.

Continuous Improvement

We view governance as a living system that must evolve with changing times. Each year, we review our governance policies, decision-making processes, and accountability mechanisms to ensure they remain relevant and effective.

We invest in capacity building for our board members and staff to strengthen leadership skills, policy understanding, and ethical practices. Our adoption of digital governance tools has improved efficiency, record-keeping, and transparency, making it easier for stakeholders to engage with our work.

Our Commitment to Good Governance

Good governance is not just a function – it is a value that defines every aspect of the Drishti Foundation’s work. It enables us to scale our impact, maintain credibility, and adapt to emerging challenges while staying true to our mission.

As we look to the future, we will continue to uphold the highest governance standards, ensuring that our 27 years of experience translate into even greater achievements in public policy, research, environmental protection, and education.

“Reach out to explore collaborations, discover our initiatives, and contribute to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

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