Govt: NGOs to lose FCRA licence over conversions, anti-development acts

• NGO involved in anti-developmental activities and forced religious conversions will face cancellation of their registration under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.

Highlights:

• The Centre has declared that NGOs engaged in anti-developmental activities, forced religious conversions, or activities disrupting social or religious harmony will face the cancellation of their FCRA registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.

Conditions for Cancellation:

• The notice, issued by Director (FCRA) K Sanjayan on November 8, outlined the following conditions:
• Anti-Development Activities: NGOs diverting foreign funds for anti-developmental purposes or inciting protests deemed malicious.
• Personal Gains: Evidence of foreign contributions benefiting the organisation or its office-bearers for personal gain.
• Undesirable Activities:
  • Connections with terrorist or radical organisations.
  • Utilisation of funds for activities deemed anti-national or undesirable.
• Forced Conversions: Involvement in induced or forced religious conversions or proselytisation.
• Field Agency Reports: Adverse findings from field inquiries indicating harm to social or religious harmony due to foreign funding.
• Non-Adherence to Objectives: Misutilisation of funds for purposes not aligned with the NGO’s stated objectives.

Government's Stance:

• The notice emphasizes strict action against NGOs whose foreign funding is found to:
  • Disrupt social and religious harmony.
  • Involve links to radical or terrorist organisations.
  • Misalign with their stated mission or objectives.

Implications:

• This move reflects the government’s firm stance on regulating NGOs and ensuring foreign contributions are used for legitimate developmental purposes. It also aims to curb activities that may threaten national security or societal harmony.

Prelims Takeaway

• Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)