India

Inform about changes in key members: Ministry of Home Affairs to NGOs

November 3, 2024

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked non-governmental organisations registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to provide details of changes in their key functionaries and members, even if their previous application for FCRA licence is pending.

Any association which has been granted a certificate of registration or prior permission under the Act should intimate such information through MHA’s portal within 45 days of the change, the ministry said in a notification dated October 25.

Several prominent NGOs whose renewal licences are pending or that have applied for fresh licences saw changes in their top position. Such NGOs included think tank Centre for Policy Research, whose FCRA licence was cancelled early this year due to alleged violation of FCRA rules. It has challenged the government’s decision in court. The licence of another NGO, Institute of Economic Growth, was cancelled due to non-compliance of regulations but was restored after the organisation submitted the relevant documents, said officials aware of the development.

An association can submit a new application if an earlier one is pending, MHA said in its notification. Upon submission of the new application, the previous application will be automatically closed.

According to FCRA rules, “No association whose certificate of registration has been cancelled or expired shall either receive or utilise the foreign contribution until the certificate is renewed.” Every NGO must also maintain a register of investments which can be submitted for audit before MHA.