In a recent development, the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken the decision to revoke the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licences of five well-known non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These NGOs include the CNI Synodical Board of Social Service (CNI-SBSS), Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFOI).
The decision to revoke these licences stems from allegations of various violations, including involvement in religious conversion activities and mismanagement of foreign grants, among others. According to reports by the Economic Times, these NGOs were found to be in breach of FCRA regulations, prompting the ministry’s action.
⚡️Modi Govt revokes FCRA licenses of prominent NGOs on charges of violation foreign grants, alleged involvement in religious conversion.
The NGOs include CNI Synodical Board of Social Service (CNI-SBSS), Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Indo-Global Social Service… pic.twitter.com/TnUjyee3cU
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One of the affected NGOs, the CNI Synodical Board of Social Service (CNI-SBSS), has been operating as the official rural development arm of the Church of North India (CNI) since its establishment in 1970. This move follows the cancellation of the license of the Delhi-based Church of North India (CNI) by the Home Ministry in December of the previous year.
The Church of North India (CNI) and its affiliated bodies have been under scrutiny, with allegations of misappropriation of church properties leading to raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). These actions have brought further attention to the financial operations of associated NGOs.
Similarly, the Church’s Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), which evolved from the National Council of Churches’ ‘NCC Relief Committee,’ has also faced repercussions. CASA’s receipt of foreign donations from countries like Germany, the United States, and Sweden has been highlighted, raising concerns about compliance with FCRA regulations.
Another affected organisation, the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), established in 1970, has been known for its collaborations with international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Foreign grants received by VHAI from countries like the USA and France have come under scrutiny in light of the recent developments.
The Indo-Global Social Service Society, focusing on climate resilience, has reportedly been receiving foreign funds from various countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. The revocation of its FCRA licence further underscores the government’s crackdown on NGOs allegedly violating FCRA rules.
The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFOI) is the fifth NGO affected by this decision, facing allegations of FCRA rule violations. This move is part of a broader trend, with over 100 NGOs losing their FCRA licences in the past year due to suspected misuse of foreign grants.
In summary, the revocation of FCRA licences for these prominent NGOs reflects the government’s commitment to enforcing compliance with regulations governing foreign contributions. These developments underscore the need for NGOs to adhere strictly to FCRA guidelines to avoid facing similar consequences in the future.
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