NGO FCRA Registrations Under Scrutiny: Home Ministry's New Crackdown

The Union Home Ministry has announced that NGOs involved in anti-developmental activities, religious conversion, or linked to terrorist groups may lose their FCRA registration. The Ministry outlined various reasons including misuse of funds, not meeting activity criteria, and non-compliance with reporting requirements as grounds for action.

The Union Home Ministry has intensified its scrutiny of NGOs, announcing stringent actions against organizations involved in activities deemed as anti-developmental, religious conversion, or connections with radical entities. The Ministry, through an official notice, emphasized that FCRA registrations would face cancellation under such circumstances.

According to new directives, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, serves as a critical measure for maintaining oversight, ensuring NGOs abide by their stated objectives and engage in activities beneficial to societal welfare. Non-compliance related to annual reporting or misuse of foreign funding also triggers severe repercussions.

The Ministry provided a comprehensive list of infractions that may lead to cancellation. These include a lack of substantial activities, failure to adhere to reporting protocols, or evidence of financial profiteering. This reinforces the government's stance to maintain accountability and transparency among NGOs dealing with foreign contributions.

(With inputs from agencies.)