The Union Home Ministry has announced strict measures for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving foreign funding, warning that those involved in anti-development activities, forced religious conversions, or linked to radical or terrorist organisations will face the cancellation of their registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.
In a notice issued by Director (FCRA) K Sanjayan and uploaded on the ministry’s official website on Monday, the government detailed the grounds for the revocation of FCRA registration.
It stated that any NGO whose foreign funding acceptance could potentially harm social or religious harmony or is involved in coerced or forced religious conversion would have its FCRA registration cancelled.
The notice underlined a broad array of reasons that could result in the cancellation of an NGO’s registration.
These include failure to utilise foreign contributions for projects aligned with the NGO’s aims and objectives or not uploading annual returns for any of the last six financial years.
“If an NGO has diverted foreign contribution for carrying out anti-development activities or inciting malicious protests, or if a field inquiry suggests personal gain by the organisation or its office bearers, or the contribution has been used for undesirable activities or linked to terrorist or anti-national organisations, then their FCRA registration would be cancelled,” the notice stated.
NGOs that have become defunct or whose activities were not corroborated during a field inquiry also risk cancellation.
Other grounds include pending prosecution against any office bearer or member and failure to respond to official requests for information or documentation.
The government also stated that reports from field agencies containing adverse inputs against an NGO, particularly those suggesting the use of foreign funding in ways that could harm social or religious harmony or involve forced proselytisation, would prompt FCRA action.
If key functionaries of an NGO have links to terrorist or radical organisations, this would trigger cancellation of their registration.
The notice highlighted that NGOs must spend a minimum of Rs 15 lakh on core activities for societal welfare over the past three financial years. Failure to meet this criterion could also lead to the loss of FCRA registration.
The Home Ministry reminded NGOs that only those registered under the FCRA are permitted to accept foreign contributions. The government reiterated that ensuring compliance with FCRA rules and maintaining transparency in the utilisation of foreign funds is essential for all NGOs operating in India.
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