Information will have to be given within 45 days… What’s in the new order of Home Ministry regarding NGOs

New Delhi: The Central Government has issued important instructions regarding NGOs. The Home Ministry has asked NGOs registered under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to provide details of changes in their key office bearers and members. The ministry said NGOs will have to do so even if their previous application for an FCRA license is pending. Any association that has been granted a certificate of registration or prior permission under the Act will be required to make the change, the ministry said in an October 25 notification. Such information should be given through the portal of MHA within 45 days.

Changes on top posts of many NGOs

Many prominent NGOs whose license renewals are pending or have applied for new licenses saw changes in their top positions. Such NGOs include think tank Center for Policy Research, whose FCRA license was canceled earlier this year due to alleged violations of FCRA norms. It has challenged the government’s decision in court.
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Officials privy to the development said the license of another NGO, the Institute of Economic Growth, was canceled for non-compliance with rules. However, it was reinstated after the organization submitted the relevant documents.

What’s in the notification of Home Ministry

The Home Ministry in its notification said that if any old application is pending then the association can submit a fresh application. On submission of new application, the previous application will automatically close. According to FCRA rules, ‘Any association whose certificate of registration has been canceled or has expired should not receive or utilize foreign contributions until the renewal of the certificate. Every NGO must also maintain a register of investments which can be presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs for audit.