Relief for Ford Foundation unlikely anytime soon

The curb imposed on the US-based Ford Foundation is unlikely to be lifted anytime soon as the government has no immediate plans to review the decision to put it in 'prior permission' category.
"We have no plans to review the decision on Ford Foundation as of now," a senior Home Ministry official said.
In April, the Home Ministry had put the American philanthropy organisation Ford Foundation under the 'prior permission' category following allegations that it had donated funds to some non-FCRA registered organisations and profit- making organisations.
Both acts are illegal under the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act.
Putting under 'prior permission' category means banks will have to take prior permission from the Home Ministry before allowing any funds from Ford Foundation to be credited to bank accounts of any Indian organisation.

Sources said India is unmoved by the concern expressed by the United States over crackdown on Ford Foundation.

"We are aware that the (Indian) Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the registration of Greenpeace India and has placed Ford Foundation on a prior permission watch list.
"We remain concerned about the difficulties caused to civil society organisations by the manner in which FCRA has been applied," US State Department deputy acting spokesperson Marie Harf had said, adding Washington sought a "clarification" from New Delhi.
Reports also suggested that a US delegation, led by under secretary for political affairs Wendy Sherman, had asked an Indian delegation in June on the restrictions imposed on Ford Foundation and some other NGOs.

India has denied any suggestion of a witch hunt against Ford Foundation or any of the big NGOs that are currently under the scanner.
Meanwhile, the Indian arm of the Foundation, which was not registered under FCRA, is believed to have expressed its willingness to register under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), the sources said.
The Home Ministry had recently taken a series of steps against various NGOs, including Greenpeace India and two NGOs run by social activist Teesta Setalvad. It had cancelled the registration of more than 10,000 NGOs.