Union home ministry extends validity of FCRA registered NGOs till June 30

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CategoryPolity

Last Updated01/04/2024

The Union home ministry extended till June 30 the validity of all FCRA registered NGOs whose licenses are expiring on March 31, in a relief to those whose renewal applications are still under consideration.

Passed in 1976 during India's Emergency, the FCRA was a response to worries about foreign influence.
The law aimed to control foreign donations to ensure organizations receiving them operated in line with India's democratic values.
Strengthened in 2010 and again in 2020, the FCRA gives the government more control over how NGOs handle foreign funds.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) enforces the law and can block donations used against India's national interests.

Registration: NGOs that want foreign donations must register with the FCRA and open a special account at the State Bank of India in Delhi.
The funds can only be used for approved purposes. Annual reports are required, and transfers to other NGOs are not allowed.
Restrictions: The FCRA prohibits receiving foreign funds for people in certain professions (like journalists or politicians) and organizations with political aims.
Registration Process: NGOs apply online with documents.
Those with cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programs can qualify. The MHA checks backgrounds and approves/denies applications within 90 days. Registration lasts 5 years and needs renewal.
Cancellation: The MHA can cancel registration for inactivity, misuse of funds, or if deemed necessary for public interest.
The NGO can defend itself before cancellation, and a court challenge is possible. A cancelled NGO cannot re-register for 3 years.
Suspensions and freezing of funds are also possible during investigations.