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Source-This post is based on the article “Home Ministry cancels FCRA registration of Centre for Policy Research ” published in “The Hindu” on 17th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) has been revoked by the Union Home Ministry.
Why was the FCRA registration of CPR cancelled?
1) According to the Home Ministry , the registration was revoked due to ‘violations‘ of FCRA regulations.
2) One of the reasons cited is that the institute published reports on “current affairs programmes”, which is a violation of the FCRA.
3) The Home Ministry highlighted instances where the CPR transferred foreign contributions to other entities, depositing them in non-designated accounts. It is a clear cut violation of Section 7 (Prohibition on transferring foreign contributions to other persons) of the FCRA.
Note- As per Section 3(1) in The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010, No foreign contribution shall be accepted by any association or company engaged in the production or broadcast of audio news or audiovisual news or current affairs programmes through any electronic mode, or any other electronic form.
What is Foreign Contribution Regulation Act(FCRA)?
| Aspect | Details |
| What is it? | It is an Indian legislation enacted to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions and foreign hospitality by individuals, associations, and companies in India. |
| Enacted in | 1976 |
| Amendments | 2010,2020,2022 |
| Coverage | It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations. |
| Criteria | 1. It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. 2. To open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi. 3. To use the funds solely for the intended purpose as received and specified in the Act. |
| For more information on FCRA Click here to read |
What is the Centre for Policy Research (CPR)?
1) It is an Indian public policy think tank.
2) Established in 1973 and located in New Delhi.
3) Objective- To formulate policy options for the Indian polity, economy, and society, offer advisory services to governments and institutions, and disseminate policy-related information through various channels.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation(Bills and Acts)
