Nidhi Company – Overview

This type of corporate structure was developed by the Indian government with the primary goal of supplying funding. People utilize this organization to lend money to the general population. In India’s southern states, Nidhi businesses are particularly well-liked.

Any type of business that conducts operations related to a Nidhi corporation must adhere to the registration procedure’ standards. Section 406 of the 2013 Companies Act iterates the procedure for registering a Nidhi company. When it comes to the growth of savings and various forms of mutual benefits, creating this type of company has several benefits. In addition, the company’s participants can comprehend their financial needs and requirements.

Legal Definition of Nidhi Company

The Companies Act of 2013’s Chapter 26 contains the Nidhi Entity provisions. The definition of a Nidhi firm is found in Section 406 of the 2013 Companies Act. A Mutual Benefit Society is another name for this type of organization. If a specified notification is made, an entity may be categorized as a mutual benefit society under section 406(1). Any sort of entity that is regarded as a Nidhi entity must be incorporated in accordance with the NBFC’s rules.

Any person creating this kind of organization must adhere to the 2013 Companies Act’s provisions in order to be in compliance. Any applicant who forms this organization would profit from various forms of loans and mutual benefits. The primary goal of creating this entity is to give loans and other benefits to the members, or the company’s stockholders. The Reserve Bank of India regulates the activities that a traditional NBFC engages in when an NBFC is incorporated (RBI). Deposits are accepted by this type of company.

However, the RBI Act of 1934 contains specific restrictions that do not apply to this type of organization.
As a result, many people prefer starting this kind of entity.

Benefits

Simple Lending

A mutual benefit society is incorporated under section 406 of the Companies Act of 2013 for this type of entity.As a result, the benefits are mostly for the entity’s shareholders and members.Aside from that, this type of company makes it simple to offer loans to the general public.

Simple to Create Management

A group of members can be chosen by a candidate who wants to launch a Nidhi corporation to complete this process. After this company is established, no involvement from outside management is necessary.

Reduced Capital Needs

There is a modest amount of capital needed to establish this organization. The minimal capital required is the main justification for this type of registration.

Fundraising is Easy

This type of organization exists primarily to raise money from the general population. In addition, the Nidhi entity is established as an NBFC. This kind of NBFC engages in operations like taking public deposits.
As a result, it is straightforward to raise money using this type of company.

Less adherence to the rules

When compared to other forms of companies, there is still less compliance even if the formation of this entity was based on compliances with the 2013 Companies Act. This company is excluded from carrying out several sorts of compliances even under the RBI Act of 1934.

Benefits of the Companies Act of 2013 Status

This type of entity would benefit from the 2013 Companies Act. This kind of entity would be granted limited liability just like any other regular entity. In addition, this type of entity’s status is unrelated to its members and directors.

Less involvement of RBI

These types of entities are required to adhere to NBFC regulations. As a result, compliance with the RBI’s rules must be upheld by the Nidhi company. These organizations are, nevertheless, free from some requirements of the RBI Act of 1934.

Options for Mutual Benefits and Savings

A Nidhi entity is only established to boost the members’ savings. Additionally, these businesses are also referred to as mutual benefits corporations under section 406 of the 2013 Companies Act.

superior alternative to the credit society

The Societies Registration Act’s guidelines govern credit societies. When establishing a credit society, more compliance obligations are present. People choose a Nidhi firm as a result because there is less compliance to follow.

Less Risk

A Nidhi entity bears less risk than a regular NBFC or any other business that engages in finance-related activities. The limited liability status of these businesses provides protection for the members under the rules of the Companies Act, 2013.

Eligibility Criteria

The following qualifying requirements must be met in order to register a Nidhi company:

Minimum requirement of shareholder

There is a required minimum of shareholders for a firm. Since the Nidhi business is created as a public company, there must be a minimum of seven shareholders.

Minimum of two directors

A Nidhi business is required to have a minimum of three directors. The corporation cannot be founded if this condition is not met.

Investment Requirements

The minimum capital required to start this organization is 5 lakhs.

No Preference Shares Are Issued

Existing members receive a specific sort of share known as preference shares. This business was established primarily to help members save money. No preference shares, however, may be distributed to members under this type of arrangement.

Main Goals

The primary goal of this type of company is to preserve financial resources for current members. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to the business’s main objectives. Receiving deposits for the business enables one to save.

Very Low Nominal Value

Any issued equity share must be worth more than Rs. 10/-. Therefore, the issued equity shares’ nominal value must be less than the value mentioned above.

Lowest number of equity shares

When equity shares are issued, their respective values must be equal to Rs. 100. Each depositor must be given one of these.

Post Registration Compliances

• To reach the desired 200 members, complete Form NDH-2 – Requesting Extension.
• Within 90 days of incorporation, the list of members must be submitted on Form NDH-1.
• It is necessary to adhere to all regulations.
• NDH-3 Form – Half Annual Returns- Annual Returns must be submitted in accordance with the Registrar of Companies’ standards and must be filed with Form NDH-1.
• Profit and Loss Statement and Balance Sheet Requirements: These records must be submitted annually in accordance with the company’s specifications.
• Income Tax Returns – Every Nidhi Company is obliged to file income tax returns in accordance with the guidelines of the Income Tax Act, and this must be done through Form AOC-4.
• A Nidhi company must have a net owned fund (NOF) that is greater than Rs. 10 lakhs.The Net Owned Fund return ratio must be in the range of 1:10 basis.
• Unencumbered Deposits: Unencumbered deposits of any kind must be greater than the minimum amount of outstanding deposits.

Documents required

The following documents are required for Nidhi entity registration process:

• Directors Identification Number
• PAN number of the Shareholders and Directors
• Residential proof of the shareholders and directors
• Digital Signature Certificate of the Members and Directors
• Photographs
• Identification Documents such as Aadhaar Card
• Rent Deposit or Lease Agreement for the Registered Office
• If the Office is owned then ownership information or registered office address must be provided
• No-Objection Certificate – if Required
• MOA
• AOA

FAQ’s