CENERS-K AGM

1,         CENERS-K AGM was held virtually on 09 July 2021 commencing at 11 am (1100 hours),Google Meet platform, hosted by the Executive Director, Maj Gen S N Mukherjee (Retd)

Attendance

2. Following members attended the meeting:-
   (a)  Lt Gen J R Mukherjee (Retd) –  JRM — President  – The   Chair
   (b)        Maj Gen Arun Roye (Retd) – AR –(Finance, Planning, Policy Implementation and Administration
   (c)        Maj Gen S N Mukherjee (Retd) – SNM– Executive Director
   (d)        Brig N S Mukherjee (Retd) – NSM– Secretary & Treasurer
   (e)        Dr Suman K Mukerjee- SKM — Member (Industry)
   (f)        ACM Arup Rana (Retd) – ARH– Special Member (Emeritus)
   (g)        Amb Sarvajit Chakravarti- SC –Member (Research Coordinator)
   (h)        Mr Satyaki Sen
   (i)         Prof Surinder Munshi
   (j)         Mr Asok Dasgupta
   (k)        Mr SL Dugar -Chartered Acountant
   (l)         Air Cmde BC Talukdar (Retd)
   (m)      Mr Gautam Sureka
   (n)        Professor J K Ray
   (o)        Professor Dhriti Roy

   Members in Attendance via Proxy
   (a)        Professor Sidharta Dasgupta
   (b)        Capt Anil Bhalla(Retd)
   (c)        Ajit Nandkeolyar
   (d)        Ms Mandira Ghosh
   (e)        Ms Anuradha Singh
   (f)        Cfj Nirmalya Bhattacharyya

   Calling to Order- Opening Address by President

3. President welcomed all members to the virtual AGM meeting and wished all good health and expressed the hope that all members and their families are following all protocol during this pandemic and hoped that all members had taken their two doses of vaccines.
4. President reminded all of the untimely demise of one of our most loved and revered members,Late Ranjit Kumar Dutta, and Brig PPS Kochhar, who passed away due to Covid and requested that all present on the meet stand up and observe a minutes silence in memory of the departed soul.
5. President confirmed that quorum of required members were present (17 members being the quorum) physically and, by way of proxies. He then called the AGM to order and directed that AGM proceedings begin.
6. President directed the Secretary to note that leave of absence was granted by him to outstation members who could not join the meet due to various valid reasons and also granted leave of absence to other members who were not attending and who had arranged for proxies.President stated that CENERS-K successfully conducted all scheduled events that were planned for the activity period July 2020 -Mar 2021 in spite of the lockdown restrictions due to pandemic by holding events on virtual platform(s). President mentioned that the name, prestige and credibility of our Organisation had visibly brightened and there were many more references about our RTDs and Seminars in the press and media as also in select Intellectual Circles. He mentioned that the Organisation continued to forward its recommendations and advisories to Government Agencies and Departments. President thereafter asked VP (Finance) to proceed with the first point on the Agenda.

AGENDA POINTI – AUDITORS REPORT: CENERS- ACCOUNTS  2020- 2021

7. AR stated that the Annual Balance Sheet of the Accounts duly audited by the Organisation’s Chartered Accountant had been e-mailed to all members prior to conduct of AGM for perusal by members; and members queries had been asked for so that the same could be clarified/ addressed. He announced that no queries had been raised by any member. He stated that the Organisation earned a sum of Approx ₹ 6.24,053.00/-as interest from 15 FDs of a corpus of ₹ 84,01.016,00/-, and balance left over from 2019-2020 financial year, bank interest, plus refund of taxes paid during the financial year 2019-2020, which was utilised to pay all the Organisations running expenses. AR further stated that the Organisation did not receive any sponsorship during the financial year and neither did we solicit any sponsors. He summarised that the Organisation has a corpus of ₹ 84,01.016.00/- (in 15 FDs). AR asked members attending for comments/ queries if any. President asked a clarification. He stated that according to earlier GC meetings, he was of the belief that the Organisation had crossed the Rupees One Cr mark as corpus. He also stated that since the interest rates presently was very low, could we not consider investing in Government Bonds which he had been told was likely to give approx 10 percent interest. AR clarified that the corpus shown in the audited balance sheet in the last AGM reflects the state of finance as on 31 March 2020.  He mentioned that an additional amount of Rupees Sixteen lacs was further put later, which would be reflected in the balance sheet of next financial year. In addition, a sum of ₹ 8 lacs was available in savings account in banks, thus making a total of Rupees One Crore eight lacs and one Thousand Sixteen as total Corpus available to the Organisation as on date of 09 Jul 2021 in 18 FDs. AR stated that he and our CA had carried out an exercise to ascertain whether we could invest in RBI floating bonds to obtain a higher rate of interest,but found that OrganisationS such as ours could not invest in such instruments. He asked our CA to explain the query of the President with regard to investment in Government Bonds. CA Mr Dugar mentioned that in order to realise approx ten percent interest we would have to enter the secondary market in trading of bonds and operate after opening a DMAT account. He also stated that we would have to continuously monitor the market and file copious paperwork to operate the accounts. Such a proposal was not advisable for a small Organisation such as ours. Hence we shall have to make do with reducing interest rates in future at around 5 to 5.5 % per annum.
8. There being no other queries/ observations from any other member, VP read out the Adoption of Accounts as follows:-
   ” Resolved that the balance sheet of CENERS-K as on 31 March 2021, the statement of income and expenditure of CENERS-K for the financial year ended 31 March 2021 together with the Notes annexed to the Auditors Report to the members and the Report of the GC Committee, both dated 09 July 2021 be and hereby approved and adopted”.
   President asked the members to propose and second the Resolution. Dr. SKM proposed and Maj Gen SNM seconded passing of the Resolution. Resolution was thereafter passed unanimously.

   AGENDA POINT II– APPOINTMENT OF AUDITOR FOR CENERS-K
   FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR  2021-2022

9. AR stated that the Organisation has received a consent letter from Ms S L Dugar and Associates, Chartered Accountants, who are the current Auditors of the Organisation, to be reappointed as the Auditor for another year at the same terms and conditions as earlier. He stated that there being no other offers proposal, offer for reappointing Ms SL Dugar and associates be considered. AR read out the Ordinary Resolution on the appointment of Auditor as follows:-
   ” Resolved that Ms S L Dugar and Associates, Kolkata- Regt No. -054703 be and hereby appointed as the Auditors of CENERS-K to hold such office for a period of one year from the conclusion of this AGM, subject to the ratification by the General Body Members of this AGM, at the same remuneration of ₹ 10,000/- plus GST as applicable and reimbursement of travel and out of pocket expenses incurred in connection with carrying out audit”
   The Resolution was proposed by Secretary Brig NSM and seconded by Prof JKR. The Resolution was put to vote and passed unanimously..

   AGENDA   POINT  III – WELCOMING  NEW  MEMBERS

10. President welcomed the following new members :-

(a)        Dr Dhriti  Roy.
(b)        Mr Soumen Sarkar.
(c)        Prof Kaushik Roy.

11. President noticed that only Dr Dhriti Roy was attending the meeting virtually and the other members were not available.President requested Dr Roy to speak a few words and introduce herself as has been the convention. Dr Roy expressed her happiness in being granted the membership of CENERS-K. She stated that as Asst Prof and in – charge Dept of Chinese School of Languages and Literature of Sikkim University her areas of specialisation was in Classical Chinese(Sinology) , Chinese Buddhism , Pre – modern Sino- Indian Relations, Chinese intellectual history and historiography. She has been the recipient of many teachers and scholar awards. She stated that she would look forward to participate in all activities of the Organisation and would enjoy shouldering responsibilities. (her detailed profile will soon be uploaded on our website).
12. Maj Gen SNM mentioned that Mr Sarkar is a banker and has  been a member of prestigious Faculty Forum of IDBI Bank since2014. He has also been a recipient of many awards amongst them being the Brand Ambassador of Bajaj General Insurance.
13. Prof Kaushik Roy of the faculty of Jadavpur University has been affiliated with PRIO since 2006, notably through the Centre for the study of Civil War, and was appointed a PRIO Global Fellow in 2014. He is a military historian.
14. The President expressed the hope that the new members would actively participate in the Organisations endeavours.

AGENDA POINT –IV – REVIEW OF EVENTS CONDUCTED
DURING THE PERIOD JUNE 2020- Mar 2021

15.       AR stated that due to the pandemic all events had to be held on virtual platforms . He expressed satisfaction that in spite of restrictions, our Organisation could hold all scheduled events without a hitch. The details of events conducted  are as under:-

(a)        ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION (RTD)- Chinese Military Capability and the LAC standoff- held on virtual platform on 28 Sep 2020.
(b) RTD on Role of the CDS and structure and role of Theatre Commands- held on virtual platform on 29 Sep 2020.
(c)        Webinar on Revival of the Economy post the Pandemic (in partnership with ICCI) – heldon 30 Jan 2021.
(d) Webinar on Police Reforms moderated by Fmr Home Secretary of GOI Mr Gopal Pillai -held on 08 Feb 2021.
(e) Discussion held with new  Japanese CG  in Kolkata  His Excellency Mr NakamuraYutaka on    current affairs and Indo -Japan Relations- held on 16 July 2020.
(f) Discussion held with Mr Loic Franco of the French Embassy,New Delhi – held on09 Sep 2020.

16. AR stated that the RTDs  have been uploaded  and are available on YouTube and Facebook.Recommendations and Advisories have also been forwarded to select Government Agencies/Departments.

AGENDA POINT- V– REVIEW OF MEMBERSHIP FEES

17. AR stated that membership admission fees from 2020 onwards has been raised to ₹ 7000/- as per AGM decision taken in 2019. A decision was also taken to charge a yearly renewal fee of ₹ 1500/-from all members, to meet routine expenditure. This decision was taken thus to raise finance in some measure to ensure incidental expenses were met to run the Organisations day to day affairs as the interest realised by investing our corpus in FDs was not sufficient to make ends meet.  It was however felt by some members that the renewal fee should not be charged,alternatively the fee could be paid voluntarily. President at that point of time had stated that the matter could be further discussed in a GC meeting and a final decision taken.The issue is now once again brought before the AGM for a decision. Mr Asok Dasgupta, member attending ,again submitted that the payment of renewal fee by members should be voluntary as many members who had joined earlier had assumed that the fee paid by them on joining was under the category of life membership and that it was a onetime payment. AR again submitted that a renewal fee was a necessity as expenditure for every service/ utilities had ballooned and interest rates from Banks had hit rock bottom. AR stated that the same two to three members underwrote these expenditures by donating monies, and other means as indicated in documents submitted. The matter was left unresolved. President expressed the view that status quo be maintained and that members could continue to pay renewal fee voluntarily. Secretary submitted, that a final decision be taken at the next GC meeting where fees of other categories should also be reviewed. He stated that a flexible rule should not be accepted. Either we do away with the renewal fee or it would be mandatory for all members to pay. The matter would be taken up in the next GC meeting and a final decision taken. Members will thereafter have to adhere to the decision taken.

    AGENDA POINT -VI— ELECTIONS TO THE POSTS OFPRESIDENT,GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBERS,NOMINATIONS TOPOST OF EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE CALCUTTA JOURNAL OF GLOBALAFFAIRS  AND APPOINTING OF DIRECTORS

    18. On directions of the President, AR was nominated as the Protem  Member and he was asked to conduct elections for electing a new team of Office Bearers as the tenure of the Office Bearers presently in Office had ended. On directions of Protem Member AR, all Office Bearers including President resigned as per convention. Protem Member announced that although a circular and notice had been forwarded to all members to submit their candidature for election to various offices, none were received. He again asked if there were any amongst the members attending who would like to stand for particular appointments/office. After a pause it was stated that no one had volunteered. The process of election to various appointments was thereafter carried out as under:-

18. A) Post of President for a two year tenure-  Lt Gen JRM proposed the name of ACM ARH asPresident. Maj Gen SNM seconded the same. Protem Member sought the consent of ACMARH which was given vocally. There being no other candidate, ACM ARH was appointed, President unanimously for a two year tenure.
    B) Post of VIce President (Policy, Planning, Finance and Administration) – Brig NSM stated that since no other members were forthcoming, NSM proposedthe name of AR to continue. The same was seconded by Dr SKM. There being no other candidate, AR was elected unopposed, unanimously after obtaining consent of AR.
    C)        Post of Executive Director– Prof JKR proposed the name of SNM. The same wasseconded by NSM. After obtaining consent of SNM, he was elected unopposed.
    D)        Post of Secretary & Treasurer– SNM proposed the name of NSM. The samewas seconded by Lt Gen JRM. After obtaining the consent of NSM, he was declared electedunopposed by Protem Member.
    E)        Post of  Member Liaison (Liaison with Government  Agencies)– ACM ARH proposed thename of former Chief Secretary Mr Amit Kiran Deb. The same was seconded by JRM. ProtemMember announced his being elected unopposed.
    F)         Post of Member Industry– NSM proposed the name of Dr SKM . The same wasseconded by ACM ARH. After obtaining the consent of Dr SKM, he was declared electedunopposed.
    G)        Post of Special Member Emeritus– ACM ARH proposed the name of Lt Gen JRM the outgoing President as Special Member Emeritus. The proposal was seconded by SNM. Havingobtained the consent of JRM  he was declared elected to the post  unopposed.

19. Nominations to the Editorial Board of the Calcutta Journal of Global Affairs. The President Elect directed the Protem Member to pend the nominations to the Editorial Board as he feltthat a restructured Editorial Board  was the need of the hour . This could be discussed during a EB Meeting which could be scheduled as early as possible where the existing Board Members and members desirous of being nominated to the board could attend. All agreed to the proposal
    of the President Elect. Secretary Elect was asked to schedule the meeting in consultation withthe Editor SNM at an early date.

20. Nomination to the post of Director Administration was not taken up as a suitable volunteer Member was not forthcoming. It was decided that nominations to the posts of Director Research would be considered at the EB meeting. Secretary mentioned that normally it has been the convention of the Organisation to invite the Directors to GC Meetings although they were not allowed to vote.

    21. Outgoing President JRM thereafter thanked the outgoing GC and EB members for their support and cooperation and welcomed the new Office Bearers. He advised the new team to refocusattention on our original objective of Research on subjects and issues which have a major bearing on the lives and activities of the people of the East and North Eastern Region. He also felt that we need to look at Jammu and Kashmir and the LAC standoff with China with a more reasoned analysis and understand the spinoffs that could result as environmental change was likely after the Americans and Allies pullout of Afghanistan. He requested the newly elected President to also say a few words. President Elect thanked the outgoing team of Office Bearers and stated that due to members not coming forward voluntarily to assume responsibility as Office Bearers , we as an Organisation are being forced to rotate the same team of Office Bearers from  AGM to AGM . He stated that we all must make a concerted effort to mentor a younger lot of new members who are ready to assume responsibility and enjoy the work that we do as a think tank. He directed that we hold at least two meetings, one each, of the GC and EB during the period upto 31 July 2021 so that some major decisions as to schedule of events as also issues of the Journal is addressed and actions initiated.

AGENDA POINT– VII— SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE
PERIOD JULY 2021–2022
22. Secretary NSM stated that we need to consider conducting a few events which not only refocuses the Organisations efforts towards Research as also enhances our profile Nationally by addressing National Issues on a Nationally Televised Event. In this context he proposed that we should Identify 8 to 10 members with high academic qualifications who also have a body of published work in their chosen field.Such members may be requested to volunteer as mentors for interns (post graduation students) who are willing and interested in undergoing an internship of a specified period with CENERS-K. The subjects and themes on which such internships would be carried out would be specified by the mentors . Such a proposal would need to be widely advertised on social media platforms as also communicated to universities, academic  institutions and other foundations etc. The interns will be accepted under two schemes i.e. interns who will need to pay to associate for internship to earn a certificate and non paying interns whose project would be considered for publication in our journal. NSM stated that many other factors of this internship programme would need to be worked out if approved in principle.

23. The other proposal was to hold a widely advertised Nationally Televised Memorial Lecture modelled on the lines of the Army’sCariappa  Memorial Lecture. An outstanding thinker, statesman, orator, politician,activist would be invited to deliver the Lecture. The theme would be a burning issue of the times or an address on ” State of the Nation and the way forward “NSM felt that we need to enhance our Organisations profile apart from holding Webinars and RTDs on other issues which the GC would decide.
24. President Elect stated that the proposals of NSM hold potential , but needs further deliberations. He directed that these two proposals and other subjects requiring attention for Research and Discussions be added as Agenda points for a GC meeting which could be held primarily to consider a programme of future RTDs , Webinars and Panel Discussions.

    AGENDA POINT — VIII — MANDATORY   STATUTORY  COMPLIANCE
    ISSUES  WITH  REGARD TO FILING  RETURNS
    UNDER THE  REGISTRATION  OF SOCIETIES  ACT
    25.       Secretary NSM mentioned that we have commissioned the services of a professional consultant Mr Pramod Agarwal , who has ascertained as to what needs to done as the Organisation has defaulted in failing to file our yearly returns from 2011 onwards.  Members are informed that the default in filing our returns was due to a number of reasons , main being our ignorance, as also the absence of any Office help. In addition the Original Register of Members, a vital document of a Society was destroyed alongwith other documents during the AMPHAN disaster. Though we had all details on desktop and files, recreation of the Register of Members took some time as some members in the interim had died and therefore their original signatures could not be got. The Office of the Registrar also could not give us a way out. We tried to ascertain if any discretion could be taken at appropriate level to accept a duplicate Register of Members backed by records. We still have not got a reply from the Office of the Registrar. In the absence of any reply our consultant has advised us to take recourse to a legal process of filing an affidavit in front of a Magistrate and seek directions to have the duplicate Register of Members accepted by the Office of the Registrar of Societies. This process is on but will take some time . However we have got our Society Registration  Number revived and renewed. As such we continue to function as a Society pending due documentation for yearly renewal renewal.

25. Secretary NSM informed all that Mr Agarwal after having visited the Office of the Registrar of Societies has mailed ” Only filing work pending due to receipt and payments statements not having been prepared. The same is being provided by CA on 19 July 2021″ Hopefully we would be in full compliance in the next few months.
26. President Elect desired that the issue be resolved by end September at the latest.

AGENDA  POINT – IX– POINTS FROM MEMBERS

28. AR asked all attending if there were any other issues they would like to raise in this AGM.Dr SKM and Amb SC both stated that we need to refocus our attention towards Research and address economic issues which would find traction for the policy makers of the East and North East. In this context Dr SKM stated that we should not be much concerned about enhancing our name in the larger arena of Think Tanks but we must make efforts to provide meaningful advice and solutions on economic and social issues which then must reach the right quarters so that our efforts are put to some use for the benefit of the North East Region. Dr SKM further stated that in 21-22, CENERS-K could conduct events which would have its central theme conceptualised in a manner which would highlight how to become/be a good , law abiding citizen. That itself would be our reward.
29. President Elect agreed wholeheartedly. He promised to direct the energy of the Organisation towards this stated direction. He assured all of an energised Organisation which would act diligently on all fronts that have been highlighted.

    There being no other point the AGM was declared closed.

Brig N S Mukherjee, SM, VSM(Retd)
Secretary
CENERS-K
20 July 2021