FOREIGN CONTRIBUTION REGULATION ACT
MHA extends validity of NGOs whose licences are expiring till Sept 30
The Home Ministry has extended the validity of FCRA registration certificates for NGOs until September 30, benefiting those with licenses expiring on June 30 and those expiring between July 1 and September 30, provided renewal applications are pending or submitted.
Why did Trump exclude terror-hub Pakistan from travel ban: Brahma Chellaney hints at US' Deep State's anti-India stance
Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney has criticised Donald Trump’s latest travel ban for excluding Pakistan, a known terror hub, while targeting countries like Myanmar where the US reportedly supports rebels. Chellaney argues the decision reflects a US “Deep State” bias that protects strategic partners while punishing others.
Kerala slams Centre for 'discrimination' over foreign aid policy
Kerala's finance minister accuses the central government of political bias for allowing Maharashtra to receive foreign aid while denying the same to Kerala during the 2018 floods. He criticizes the discriminatory treatment, suggesting Maharashtra's closeness to the ruling party influenced the decision. The minister also alleges apathy towards Kerala regarding the Wayanad landslide tragedy and unmet expectations for financial assistance.
NGOs getting foreign funding won't be able to publish news content: MHA
The Centre has tightened FCRA rules, mandating NGOs seeking foreign funding to certify non-news publication status, follow FATF guidelines, and submit detailed financial records. NGOs must provide donor letters, project expense breakdowns, and ensure admin costs stay below 20%. Only those with a clear cultural, educational, or social mission may receive funds, and all must be officially registered.
Govt plugging gaps to block foreign 'funding' of news
For the first time, several non-profit entities, backed by foundations and philanthropists abroad, have been asked to give sworn declarations that they would not print or publish news or views on public news. Foreign donations can only be received by organisations that are registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA), an emergency era law that has been tightened over the years amid fears of misuse.
Karnataka HC stays proceedings against Amnesty India
The Karnataka High Court has put a hold on the money laundering case against Amnesty International India and its former director, Aakar Patel, until the next hearing. This decision follows allegations by the Enforcement Directorate that Amnesty circumvented FCRA regulations by receiving funds via the FDI route after its FCRA permission was revoked. Amnesty India denies any wrongdoing.
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Validity of FCRA licence of NGOs extended till September 30, 2023: MHA notice
Validity of those entities which were registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and whose five year validity period is expiring during April 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, but have applied for will apply for renewal before expiry of the five year validity period, will stand extended up to September 30, 2023 or till the disposal of the renewal application -- whichever is earlier.
Poll bonds most transparent system, centre tells SC
Two NGOs - Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Common Cause - have challenged amendments allowing electoral bonds, unlimited donations even by subsidiaries of companies, and retrospective changes to Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Bhushan apprised the bench. Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal, also appearing for petitioners, contended that the matter might have to be heard by a larger bench in view of the importance of the issues raised.
Poll panel seeks transparency in political funding
EC also suggested that parties declare if they have received foreign funds. The Representation of the People Act, 1951, (RPA) and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010, do not allow foreign funding of political parties, but there is no mechanism for EC to assess it.
MHA cancels CHRI, AAWW licences for FCRA rules violation
The government has cancelled FCRA licences of the two NGOs after they "failed to adhere to rules mandated to be followed under FCRA on many grounds and violated it", an official privy to the development told ET.
To deliver NGOs the last mile
Larger NGOs may be asked to bring the smaller ones under their fold, keep tabs on them, scrutinise fund end-use and ensure that final beneficiaries have bank accounts where the money is credited. In the absence of an acceptable system, funds received by NGOs in metros will never reach healthcare units, schools and weavers in the villages of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, the northeast, etc. That would be a shame.
Supreme Court starts hearing plea against FCRA changes
Earlier, Centre has told the Supreme Court that there is no fundamental right to receive unbridled foreign contributions without any regulation, as it defended the 2020 amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
NGOs urge Delhi HC to formalise 7-day limit for Home Ministry
Under the new Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) laws, NGOs are required to obtain a prior approval from the central government for opening or transferring the bank accounts to the SBI, New Delhi, main branch. Earlier such accounts could be opened in any scheduled bank.
Each NGO member will have to declare no association with religious conversion
Under the 2011 rules, only key functionary and top office bearers were required to give affidavit for seeking prior permission from MHA to receive grants under FCRA.
3,292 NGOs have 15 days to comply with FCRA rules or will lose licence
In an order issued this week, the ministry asked groups registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) 2010 to submit their mandatory annual returns.
Licences of 4,842 NGOs cancelled in 2017: Government tells Lok Sabha
The licences of 4,842 NGOs have been cancelled in 2017 for violation of various provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Kiren Rijiju said.
Rs 5 crore in home ministry kitty as penalty from erring NGOs
Filing of annual returns by NGOs within the stipulated date is mandatory under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Government directs NGOs to register with Niti Aayog platform DARPAN
he portal enables NGOs to enroll centrally and thus facilitates creation of a repository of information about NGOs sector-wise.
Government asks 3,768 NGOs to validate bank accounts
In a circular, the ministry said all NGOs which were registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act should receive donations from abroad in a single designated bank account.
Government asks NGOs to open bank accounts in core banking format
The home ministry wants that all NGOs registered under the FCRA have their accounts in nationalised banks or in banks which have core banking facilities.
CBI files charge sheet against Teesta Setalvad
A charge sheet has been filed by CBI against social activist Teesta Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand and a company run by them for alleged violation of foreign funding rules.
‘Three people involved in Dhaka attack admirers of Zakir Naik’
According to the home ministry, Naik, who heads the IRF, made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda.
NGOs not furnishing annual returns to be penalised, orders Home Ministry
A penalty equivalent to five per cent of total foreign funds received in a year or Rs five lakh will be imposed for non-furnishing of annual return.
FCRA licence of Indira Jaising's NGO suspended for 6 months
The Home Ministry asked the NGO to submit its reply within 30 days for violation of various provisions of FCRA after which its registration may even be cancelled.
Officer steals Teesta Setalvad's file, CBI nabs him
The accused is said to have walked away with the file on Sabrang Trust, whose registration under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) was suspended in September 2015.
Foreign Contributions Regulations Act services for NGOs go online
The government has also reduced the number of application forms from 10 to 6 and removed the condition of applying for renewal of FCRA licence.
FCRA changes may cause coffers of political parties like BJP and Congress to swell
Officials familiar with the matter said the notification will describe any company registered in India as an 'Indian company' irrespective of its shareholding pattern.
Government cancels registration of 4,470 NGOs in fresh crackdown
The decision to cancel the registration of these entities under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act has been taken by the Union Home Ministry.
Agitation against Kudankulam nuclear project must be defeated
India needs to go ahead with the Kudankulam nuclear project and the agitation against it is ill-conceived and must be defeated.
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