Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday instructed the officials that all NGOs receiving foreign funds needed to be “sensitised” about the compliance of the provisions of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) provisions in this regard.
“The Home Minister appreciated the FCRA outreach seminars in different parts of the country and desired that all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) receiving foreign funds are sensitised about the compliance with FCR Act and rules,” according to a statement issued by the MHA.Singh’s comments, at a meeting to review the working of the Foreigners Division under Home Ministry, came in the backdrop of a recent report by Intelligence Bureau (IB) which alleged misuse of foreign grants by NGOs to obstruct various ongoing developmental projects.
As per the current statistics of security and intelligence agencies, less than 20 per cent of the NGOs are adhering to the stipulations of the stringent FCR Act. There were allegations that certain NGOs were illegally utilising foreign funds to support protests, political activities and religious conversion etc.The Foreigners Division made a presentation to the Home Minister on Visa Policy Citizenship Act, Foreigners’ Contribution and Registration Act (FCRA) and related issues.
During the meeting, it was explained to the Minister that the integrated online visa system presently covers 148 Indian Missions and the online foreigners’ registration system inside India has reached 80 per cent coverage, the statement said.Singh stressed the need to strengthen security while facilitating legitimate travellers and instructed that Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVRFT) project should be implemented at the earliest.