NGOs received Rs 39,578.79 cr: Govt

Over Rs 1300 crore received as foreign contribution by Indian NGOs during 2005-10 have been spent on religious functions,publication of religious literature and education of priests and preachers.

Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran told Rajya Sabha today that a total of Rs 39,578.79 crore was received by thousands of NGOs across the country of which Rs 406.47 crore have been spent for organising various religious functions.

Rs 182.44 crore has been spent for publication and distribution of religious literature while Rs 737.28 crore has been spent for setting up religious schools and education of priests and preachers,he said.