Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Warning on Foreign Funds
The Union Home Ministry has issued a warning to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) regarding the receipt of foreign funds without proper registration under the Foreigners Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA).
FCRA Registration Requirements
- Mandatory Registration: NGOs must have FCRA registration to accept foreign donations.
- Purpose Specific: The foreign contribution (FC) must be used for the purpose for which the NGO is registered or has prior permission.
- Certificate or Permission: No person can accept FC without a registration certificate or prior government permission.
Renewal and Compliance
- Renewal Requirement: Section 16 requires renewal of the registration certificate six months before its expiry.
- Regulation Rules: As per the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, entities without a valid registration cannot receive or utilize FC.
- Non-compliance Instances: Some NGOs were found to have transactions without registration, permission, or post-expiry of registration.
Penal Actions
Any receipt or utilization of FC without a valid FCRA registration is a violation of the Act, leading to penal actions against the non-compliant NGOs.