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Journalism of Courage
Reacting to allegations of foreign funds fuelling protests by the Narmada Bachao Andolan NBA and allied organisations against the Sardar Sarovar Project, the Centre has decided to take 8220;appropriate action8221;.
8220;The Ministry of Home Affairs has not given permission to Arohi Niyas and Sarvodaya Sikshan Samiti Malcha to receive foreign funds,8221; the government informed the apex court, which is hearing a PIL on the allegations, today. The MHA contended that action will be initiated if it was found that the foreign contributions were illegal.
The affidavit came in response to a PIL filed by Ahmedabad-based NGO National Council for Civil Liberties NCCL, seeking a probe into the activities of the NBA. It alleged that the outfit was acting at the behest of foreign powers and creating instability in India on the strength of funds received from abroad.
NCCL also alleged that a few support groups of the NBA like Arohi Niyas, Sarvodya Sikshan Samiti Malcha, Delhi Forum and Lok Samiti had received foreign funds in violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. The apex court in the last hearing had given the Union of India a 8220;final opportunity8221; to furnish its response.
