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

THE CENTRE on Monday announced that any NGO involved in anti-developmental activities and forced religious conversions will face cancellation of their registration under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.

A notice issued on November 8 by Director (FCRA) K Sanjayan said that any NGO whose acceptance of foreign funding may affect social or religious harmony will face cancellation of its FCRA registration. “…If an NGO has diverted foreign contribution for carrying out anti-development activities or inciting malicious protests, field inquiry has revealed the likelihood of personal gain by the organisation or by the office-bearers, or the foreign contribution is likely to have been utilised for undesirable activities, linkage with terrorist organisations or anti-national organisations, key functionaries have links with terrorist or radical organisations, their FCRA registration would be cancelled,” the notice said.

“If any field agency has reported adverse inputs against the NGO and its acceptance of foreign funding is likely to affect social, religious harmony or is involved in induced, forceful religious conversion or proselytisation or its office-bearers have linkage with radical organisations, the organisation will also face action under the FCRA,” it added.

According to the notice, not utilising any foreign funding for projects as per the aims and objectives of the NGO would also invite FCRA cancellation.