NGOs seek extension of FCRA licence validity till Dec 31

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have petitioned the Union home ministry to extend the deadline for renewing their licence under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). NGOs require an FCRA licence to receive money from foreign donors and they have to submit annual account statements to the Foreigners Division in the ministry of home affairs.

The renewal process started in April this year and FCRA-registered NGOs were asked to apply for renewal of their licences by June 30.

“While many NGOs have been able to secure their renewals, a sizeable number of FCRA-registered organisations still await an inkling of communication from the FCRA department,” said Voluntary Action India (VANI), which works as an umbrella organisation for other non-profits, in a press release.

Earlier, the ministry had extended the validity of licences expiring on September 30 to October 31. In their petition, the NGOs have asked the government to extend the validity to December 31.

“Non-disbursement of renewals may result in halt of major development projects as many voluntary organisations are involved in various flagship programme of the central government,” said VANI.

Business Standard tried to contact senior officials in the ministry for a comment but phone calls and text messages remained unanswered till the time of going to press.

According to some news reports, the Centre has made it mandatory for the foreigners division to seek security clearance from both the Intelligence Bureau and Research & Analysis Wing before granting approval to the NGOs.

The step was taken following the alleged misuse of foreign funds by the Zakir Naik-run Islamic Research Foundation. The Union government has tried to tighten conditions around NGOs, which were allegedly carrying anti-government and anti-national activities in the name of civil rights.