What is Nidhi company?

• It requires less capital compared to other kind of NBFC. The typical meaning of Nidhi is ‘fund’, ‘finance or treasure’.
• Nidhi Company is incorporated with the object of developing the habit of thrift and save and reserve the funds amongst its members and also receiving deposits and lending from and to its members only, for their mutual benefit.

Branch Office of Nidhi Company

Compared to other companies, Nidhi Company is being imposed with a lot of restrictions. Out of many limitations and restrictions, one of the most important restrictions is that a Nidhi Company can not open a branch office without complying with the prescribed conditions.

Rules and regulatory requirement for Opening a Branch office in India

As per Rule 10 of Companies (Nidhi Companies) Rules, 2014, Nidhi Companies are allowed to open a branch only if it complies with the conditions and regulations prescribed under the rule 10.

Good Track Record of Profit

A Nidhi Company is allowed to open a Branch office, only if it has earned net profits after deductions of taxes on a continuous basis during past three financial years.

Maximum number of branches of Nidhi allowed

There is restrictions in number of branches a Nidhi company can open.

Within one district, a Nidhi Company can open maximum up to three branches only. If a Nidhi company wishes to open more than three branches within a district without prior approval of Regional Director.

Also, if a Nidhi Company wishes to open any branch outside the district, it shall acquire prior permission of the Regional Director. and an intimation needs to be given to the registrar about the opening of every branch within thirty days of such opening of a branch.

Opening of Branches outside the state

A Nidhi Company can not by any means open any branches or collection centres or offices or deposit centres outside the state where the registered office is situated.

Compliance needs to be up to date

Nidhi Company can not open any branches or collection or deposit centers or offices unless financial statement and annual returns are filed with the ROC.

How to close a Branch office of Nidhi Company?

During the business at any time if Nidhi Company wishes to close any of its branch offices, it has to comply with the conditions prescribed under rule 10 (6) of the of Companies (Nidhi Companies) Rules, 2014 as follows:

Publish Advertisement

Prior to closing of the Nidhi Company, it is mandatory to publish an advertisement in a newspaper in vernacular language in the place where it performs its business operations. Also, it should inform its members and public about such closure of Nidhi Company Branch.

Publish a Copy of Advertisement on board

Nidhi Company shall affix a copy of advertisement or notice given earlier in the newspaper notifying about the closure of the branch on the notice board of the company for a continuous thirty days time limit from the date on which the advertisement got published.

Inform the ROC

About the closure of the branch of the Nidhi Company, It must give intimation to the registrar within the 30 days of such closure of the branch.

Conclusion

For Opening or closing a branch office, it is mandatory for Nidhi Company to abide by the Nidhi Company rules and regulations. Moreover, It must also abide by the Companies Act, 2013.

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