Centre received complaints against 18 NGOs in AP for alleged conversions

Vijayawada: The Union Home ministry on Tuesday informed the Parliament that the Centre has received complaints against 18 NGOs in Andhra Pradesh who are violating FCRA rules and are indulging in alleged conversions to Christianity.

Union minister of state for Home affairs Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha, "Complaints against 18 associations of Andhra Pradesh registered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act 1976 (FCRA) have been received regarding alleged indulgence in conversion to Christianity."

The minister was replying to YSRCP rebel MP K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju's question on whether the government has received any complaints about some NGOs in the state misusing FCRA Rules and indulging in conversions by inducements, allurement, and misrepresentation since 2018.

Replying to his question, Mr. Rai said FCRA 2010 provides a legal mechanism to deal with violations of FCRA provisions. Such a mechanism includes an audit of accounts of such NGOs, an inspection of their accounts and records, and verification of their on-field activities.

"The FCRA certificate of such NGOs may be suspended depending upon the facts and circumstances of the case. Such violations may also lead to the cancellation of the certificate. In some cases where violations of the FCRA 2010 so warrant, the matter may be investigated as provided under Section 43 of FCRA 2010. Accordingly, appropriate action has been initiated in respect to mentioned complaints based on the facts and circumstances of each case," the minister added.