Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA renewal 4 months before expiry, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has directed NGOs to apply for FCRA renewal at least four months before expiry.
• FCRA registration, mandatory for receiving foreign funds, needs renewal every five years.
• The Ministry cited delayed submissions hindering scrutiny and input from security agencies as the reason.

Detailed Insights:

• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act ensures foreign contributions are not used to compromise national interest.
• NGOs must adhere to the directive to allow sufficient time for processing renewal applications.
• This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability in foreign fund management by NGOs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• FCRA Registration: Mandatory registration for NGOs to legally receive foreign funds.
• NGO: A non-profit organization that operates independently of governments.