Wed Jan 22 04:18:33 IST 2025: ## Indian Home Ministry Cracks Down on NGOs Receiving Foreign Funds Without FCRA Registration
**NEW DELHI, January 22, 2025** – The Union Home Ministry issued a stern warning to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on Tuesday, threatening penal action against those receiving foreign funds without the mandatory Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration.
The ministry’s public notice emphasizes that FCRA registration is required for all NGOs accepting foreign donations. It further clarifies that funds must be used solely for the purposes specified in the registration or prior permission granted under the Act. The notice highlights that Section 16 of the FCRA mandates renewal of registration certificates six months before expiry.
The ministry cited instances where NGOs with expired, cancelled, or no FCRA registration were found to have foreign contributions in their accounts. Such actions, the notice stated, constitute a violation of the FCRA, 2010, and will be subject to penalties. The ministry stressed that any receipt or utilization of foreign contributions without valid FCRA registration is illegal.
First Piper 