To:
The Presidents, Secretaries, Executive Committees and General Membership of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Indian Association of Private Psychiatry (IAPP), Indian Association of Geriatric Mental Health (IAGMH) and Indian Association of Biological Psychiatry (IABP).

Subject: Adoption of Democratic, Transparent, Financially Accountable and Ethical Governance Standards

We, the undersigned members of psychiatric professional associations, firmly believe that professional bodies must remain democratic, member-driven, transparent, financially accountable and free from undisclosed conflicts of interest.

To strengthen institutional integrity, professional credibility and members' trust, we respectfully urge the respective associations, in accordance with their registered constitutions and applicable laws, to adopt and uphold the following principles:

Democratic Elections: Ensure free, fair and transparent elections, providing equal opportunity and access to relevant electoral information for all eligible members.
Constitutional Governance: Ensure that all appointments, nominations, extensions of tenure and continuance in office strictly comply with the registered constitution and duly adopted rules.
Financial Transparency: Ensure timely preparation and disclosure of duly audited financial statements, budgets and material financial decisions for members' scrutiny, subject to applicable legal requirements.
Ethical Practices and Conflict of Interest: Mandate disclosure and appropriate management of conflicts of interest, particularly concerning conferences, academic programmes, sponsorships, contracts and commercial arrangements. Prevent misuse of association platforms or resources for undisclosed private gain.
Administrative Accountability: Maintain accessible records of General Body resolutions, significant administrative decisions and statutory filings, and comply with lawful directions issued by competent authorities.
Grievance Redressal: Establish a fair, impartial and time-bound mechanism for addressing members' complaints relating to governance, ensuring transparency and due process for all concerned.
CALL FOR VOLUNTARY COMMITMENT

We urge all prospective candidates contesting elections to these professional associations to publicly endorse and voluntarily commit to these principles by consenting to the Candidate's Declaration provided in this document. (Annexure II)

We further request the competent governing bodies to consider incorporating an appropriate declaration of democratic and ethical governance into their electoral rules through due constitutional process.

This petition is intended to promote prospective institutional reform and does not constitute an allegation of misconduct against any individual or association.

We respectfully request that this petition be placed before the appropriate Executive Committee and/or General Body for consideration, deliberation and a formal written response.

Submitted collectively by the members endorsing this petition. (Annexure I)

 
ANNEXURE I

ENDORSEMENT OF THE PETITION BY MEMBERS

Member's Consent and Endorsement

I hereby confirm that I have read and understood the accompanying petition advocating democratic governance, transparency, financial accountability, ethical practices and protection of members' rights in psychiatric professional associations.

By signing this petition, I voluntarily endorse its objectives and support placing the proposed governance reforms before the relevant professional associations for consideration and appropriate action.

I understand that my endorsement represents support for institutional reform and does not imply an allegation of wrongdoing against any individual or association.

 
ANNEXURE II

DECLARATION AND WILLINGNESS OF A PROSPECTIVE ELECTION CANDIDATE

Candidate's Declaration and Commitment

I, the undersigned, intending to contest an election to a psychiatric professional association, voluntarily affirm my commitment to democracy, transparency, accountability, integrity, ethical governance and members' rights.

Subject to the registered constitution of the association and applicable laws, I solemnly undertake to:

Uphold Democratic Principles: Support free, fair and transparent elections, democratic participation and the legitimate electoral rights of all eligible members.
Respect Constitutional Governance: Oppose appointments, nominations, extensions of tenure or continuance in office that violate the association's registered constitution or duly adopted electoral rules.
Ensure Financial Accountability: Promote timely submission and disclosure of audited financial statements, transparent financial management and accountability to the General Body.
Prevent Conflicts of Interest: Disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest and oppose the misuse of association platforms, academic activities or resources for undisclosed personal or commercial gain.
Uphold Statutory Compliance: Respect the association's registered constitution, applicable statutory requirements, validly adopted rules and lawful directions of competent authorities.
Promote Ethical and Transparent Administration: Support transparent decision-making, ethical academic activities, responsible governance and fair, impartial and timely resolution of members' grievances.
Demonstrate Personal Integrity: Refrain from supporting or participating in established, persistent practices that undermine democratic governance, financial accountability or ethical standards, while respecting due process.
I hereby confirm that I have carefully read and understood the accompanying petition and the principles outlined in this declaration.

I voluntarily endorse these principles and undertake to uphold, promote and practise them if elected to office in a psychiatric professional association.

I understand that this declaration represents my personal commitment to ethical and democratic governance, subject to the association's constitution and applicable laws.