The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) certificates to a total of 67 associations across India this year.
These organisations are engaged in various fields such as social, cultural, educational, religious, and economic activities, with the aim of benefiting larger communities across the country.
Among the notable associations receiving FCRA certificates are the His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust, Sambhavna Trust, Vyomini Social Foundation, and the Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEQUIN), all of which are based in Delhi.
The His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust, which was established on 20th January 1964 in Calcutta, is one of the oldest and most prominent of these associations.
The trust has a wide scope of activities that include religious (Buddhist), cultural, educational, economic, and social work. After moving its office to Delhi in 1978, it has continued its charitable work under the leadership of figures such as the late Shri Jaya Prakash Narayan, who was the trust’s first chairperson.
The other Delhi-based organisations that have been granted FCRA certification include Sambhavna Trust, Vyomini Social Foundation, and CEQUIN, all of which focus on various social activities. These groups work towards improving lives by tackling issues like health, education, and community welfare.
Apart from these four Delhi-based associations, the remaining 63 organisations granted FCRA registration by the MHA work in similar fields. One of the most recent organisations to receive an FCRA certificate is Alipurduar Manabik Mukh, based in West Bengal.
Established in 2011 and officially registered in 2012, this organisation focuses on providing affordable healthcare services to local communities, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from accessing necessary medical treatments.
With services available at discounted rates, it aims to ease the burden on those struggling to afford healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
The full list of recipients also includes organisations such as Anjuman Education Trust, Aradhana Social and Development Organisation, Maharashtra Lokahita Seva Mandal, Narayana Hrudayalaya Charitable Trust, Bengal Vipassana Kendra, and many others.
These associations work in sectors related to education, healthcare, tribal welfare, social upliftment, and more, making significant contributions to their respective communities.
The FCRA is an important piece of legislation in India that governs the acceptance and utilisation of foreign funds by individuals, organisations, and institutions. It ensures that such funds are used in ways that align with the country's interests and maintain its sovereignty and security.
The MHA’s approval process involves stringent checks to ensure that these organisations comply with the provisions of the law, thus promoting transparency and accountability in their operations.
This year, the issuance of FCRA certificates has helped numerous organisations continue and expand their work in India. From healthcare to education, social welfare to cultural preservation, these organisations play a crucial role in shaping the country’s growth and development.
With foreign funding, they can further amplify their efforts to address various challenges faced by different communities, particularly the underserved ones.
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