NON FCRA ENTITIES
Centre extends validity of FCRA registration of NGOs till September 30
The FCRA registration extension benefits NGOs with pending renewal applications. Scrutiny affected prominent NGOs, leading to new FCRA licenses being issued. The rules regarding foreign contributions and asset declaration are strictly enforced, ensuring compliance and transparency in the NGO sector.
Some tax clarity for non-profits
A tax officer has the power to call for any documents/information of the entity to conduct an inquiry 'as he thinks necessary to satisfy himself about the occurrence of a 'specified violation'', and pass an order to cancel the registration of such entity, even for previous years (and all subsequent years after that), in cases where the officer notices any 'specified violations', or if a case is selected by 'risk management strategy' formulated by CBDT.
FCRA license of leading think tank CPR revoked by Union Home Ministry over alleged violations
The Union Home Ministry canceled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) license of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), a prominent public think tank, citing multiple violations of FCRA regulations. The ministry alleged that CPR, registered for "educational activities," utilized foreign funding for litigation activities and funded protests against development projects, including coal mines. Investigations revealed the diversion of foreign donations to non-FCRA entities to support legal battles and protests, violating FCRA guidelines.
Union home ministry renews FCRA licence of ORF for 5 years
Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has had its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act licence renewed by the Union home ministry for five years. The Delhi-based foreign policy think tank has been granted a licence from 1 October 2023 to 20 September 2028. ORF had sought the renewal of its FCRA licence to receive foreign grants from voluntary sources and foreign entities.
FCRA hinders educational collaboration with US: US-India task force
Days before India finalises it foreign varsity regulations, a US-India task force report has identified foreign exchange restrictions in India and tight US visa rules as key barriers to greater educational and research collaboration between the two countries.
Government suspends FCRA registration of Centre For Equity Studies for 6 months
According to an order issued by the home ministry, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, prohibits acceptance of foreign contribution by correspondents, columnists, cartoonists, editors, owners, printers and publishers of a registered newspaper.
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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.
Validity of FCRA licence of NGOs extended till March 31, 2023
the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) also said that the validity of those FCRA entities whose five years validity period is expiring during October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023, and which have applied for renewal before expiry of five years validity period, will stand extended up to March 31, 2023 or till the date of disposal of renewal application, whichever is earlier.
Tough for CPR and Oxfam to get FCRA licence now
In June, the Union home ministry had given a three-month extension to all FCRA registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) whose licences were expiring or applications for renewal were pending as on June 30.
Centre revamps overseas investment framework
Under the new rules, the government has provided a specific definition for overseas portfolio investment (OPI), making it clear that such investments can be made in both listed and unlisted space.
NGOs can now challenge govt order to cancel FCRA licence
Under section 32 of FCRA, 2010, the Centre had earlier renewed FCRA licences of Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), New Delhi and Missionaries of Charity (MOC), Kolkata. However, MHA denied the revision order to Oxfam India asserting that the NGO did not fulfil the eligibility criteria specified in the law. The issue of Oxfam India was raised by the government of the United Kingdom (UK) during the bilateral dialogue held on February 10, 2022.
CAG flags data non-sharing between income tax department, MHA to track charitable trusts' foreign receipts
In all the cases, the department had allowed exemption on such foreign contributions involving tax effect of Rs 182.10 crore, said the report tabled in Parliament on Monday. Non-government organisations (NGOs)/ trusts are allowed to receive foreign contributions (FCs) under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The Home Affairs Ministry monitors the receipts of FC.
ED slaps Rs 61.72 cr FEMA penalty against Amnesty India, ex-CEO Aakar Patel
This was despite denial of prior registration or permissions to Amnesty International India Foundation Trust (AIIFT) and other trusts under FCRA by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it said. The Enforcement Directorate said the show cause notice of penalty was issued as the funds received "violated" Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) provisions.
Many NGOs under lens; Some may lose FCRA licences
In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Centre had granted relaxation for validity of FCRA registration expiring between September 29, 2020, and December 31, 2021, till March 31, 2022.
FCRA licences of JNU, DU, IITD, RKM and others restored
The renewal of as many as 179 FCRA licences was denied by the MHA in December last year while the licences of 5,789 NGOs had lapsed. The total number of active NGOs registered under FCRA came down to 16,907 from 22,797. Some NGOs informed the MHA on Monday that they had filed the renewal applications online ahead of the deadline but their names were in the list of NGOs whose licences had lapsed.
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.
New FCRA rules choking NGO funding, stalls Covid relief work
Non-profit organisations are knocking on several doors, trying to convince authorities of the urgent need to relax the regulations — which even if well-intended — are creating hurdles for Covid relief work.
Non-FCRA listed NGOs may have to pay tax on foreign oxygen device gifts
The government has waived integrated GST and customs duty on oxygen concentrators that are gifted from overseas or imported. However, experts said many companies and non-profit organisations without an FCRA licence may still be liable to pay these taxes.
17 NGOs granted FCRA licence as work picks up pace after COVID
The home ministry has granted FCRA licences to 17 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Dr Aabaji Thatte Seva Aur Anusandhan Sanstha (ATSAS) and Grameen Foundation for Social Impact (GFSI), according to officials.
Home Ministry tightens eligibility criteria for non-governmental organisations applying for foreign donation
The ministry notification dated November 10 said that office bearers of the NGOs seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must submit a specific commitment letter from the donor indicating the contribution amount and the purpose for which it is proposed to be given.
NGOs are expected to adhere to all our laws: MEA on action against Amnesty International
Amnesty International on Tuesday said it is halting all its activities in India due to freezing of its accounts and claimed that it is being subjected to an "incessant witch-hunt" over unfounded and motivated allegations.
Docking NGOs for a few bad apples? FCRA may cause unintended hurdles for the genuine ones
Past experience may have led to introduction of greater control of NGOs yet some other amendments will only result in unintended operational challenges for genuine NGOs across India, which are engaged in diverse areas.
Govt set to amend FCRA; Aadhar to be mandatory for registration
The Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2020, to be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Sunday, also proposes to enable the Centre to allow an NGO or association to surrender its FCRA certificate.
Rajnath Singh launches online tool to monitor foreign-funded NGOs
Approximately 25,000 active organisations, received foreign currencies worth Rs 18,065 crore to execute various social, cultural, economic, educational and religious activities during the financial year 2016-17.
Foreign-funded NGOs told to open a/cs in select banks
Organisations get one-month deadline to comply with the new order aimed at bringing about a higher level of transparency in their financial dealings.
Government set to cancel foreign funds licence of Teesta Setalvad’s NGO, Sabrang Trust
On Sept 9 last year, NDA govt suspended Sabrang’s licence, citing multiple violations of FCRA rules, including misuse of funds for personal benefit of trustees.
Teesta Setalvad's NGO set to lose FCRA licence
The suspension order, to be issued under Section 13 of FCRA, will list in detail the violations of conditions for grant of certificate of registration.
Government versus NGOs: FCRA to protect transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds
The first-ever renewal of clearances for foreign funding to NGOs have been delayed and new and stringent rules are being framed to govern them.
How FCRA norms may hurt CSR contributions of Indian companies with large foreign shareholding
Companies work with or pay NGOs, schools or hospitals. Some like Infosys, HDFC, ICICI and Hindustan Lever have started their own foundations.
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