Sensitise NGOs on rules for receiving foreign grants: HM

All non-government organisations (NGOs) receiving foreign grants need to be sensitised about compliance of rules in this regard, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.
Singh's comments, at a meeting to review the working of the Foreigners Division under Home Ministry, came in the backdrop of a recent report by Intelligence Bureau (IB) which alleged misuse of foreign grants by NGOs to obstruct various ongoing developmental projects.
The Foreigners Division made a presentation to the Home Minister on Visa Policy Citizenship Act, Foreigners' Contribution and Registration Act (FCRA) and related issues.
"The Home Minister appreciated the FCRA outreach seminars in different parts of the country and desired that all non- government organisations (NGOs) receiving foreign funds are sensitised about the compliance with FCRA Act and rules," according to a statement issued by the MHA.

During the meeting, it was explained to the Minister that the integrated online visa system presently covers 148 Indian Missions and the online foreigners' registration system inside India has reached 80 per cent coverage, the statement said.
Singh stressed the need to strengthen security while facilitating legitimate travellers and instructed that Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVRFT) project should be implemented at the earliest.
The Home Minister also expressed the need to enhance developmental aspects of visa policy to promote tourism and other sectors of the economy.