NGOs got Rs 600 cr foreign donations for religious causes

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The biggest contributors towards the maintenance of priests, preachers and religious institutions are from the US and Germany.

The 2011-12 data (the latest figures) under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) compiled by the MHA shows that Rs 602.98 crore was routed to various NGOs for religious purposes. The total amount received as foreign grants in the year stood at Rs 11,546.29 crore, a jump from Rs 10,334 crore received last year.

“We keep a watch on all the foreign donations made in the country and also monitor the purposes for which the money has been received. The amended FCRA came into existence in 2010 and there are strict provisions like punishment of up to two years in prison, if the norms are not complied with. We regularly audit the NGOs that receive such huge foreign donations,” said a ministry official.

Around Rs 208 crore was received for religious schools and education of priests and preachers, an official said, adding Rs 38 crore was sent for publication and distribution of religious literature.

Foreign donations received for other purposes like orphanages was Rs 127 crore, Rs 24 crore for welfare of other backward classes, Rs 58 crore for construction of old age homes, Rs 149 crore for environmental programmes.

The NGOs which received the highest amount of foreign contribution are World Vision India, Chennai, followed by the Believers Church India, Pathanamthitta (Kerala), and Rural Development Trust, Ananthapur, Andhra Pradesh.