FCRA violation: Licenses of 168 Andhra-based NGOs canceled; Christian conversions suspected

The central government has canceled licences of 168 Andhra Pradesh-based associations and NGOs under the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA) in the last 3 years.

Union Ministry of Home Affairs said the highest number of licenses (218) was canceled in Tamil Nadu followed by Maharashtra ( 206) and Uttarakhand (193). Andhra Pradesh is at the 4th position with most number of licences canceled from 2019-21.

"Whenever any inputs pertaining to the use of foreign contribution to spreading terror activities are received by this Ministry of Home, appropriate action under the FCRA, 2010 and other extant laws and rules is taken. During the last three years, 2019 to 2021, the FCRA Registration Certificates of 1,811 associations have been canceled under section 14 of The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 due to violation of provisions of the FCRA, 2010" the Minister of state for home Nityanand Rai said in the Lok Sabha.

To questions about why the licenses of these associations were revoked the minister said: "The refusal of these applications was due to not fulfilling the eligibility criteria in accordance with the provisions of the FCRA, 2010 and rules made there under."

These associations can be NGOs and be of the nature of cultural, religious, and educational.

Why licences of NGOs from Andhra Pradesh were canceled?

Home Ministry received inputs that the company received foreign funding which was being used for conversion.

In an official statement made before the house in 2021, the ministry said, "Complaints against 18 FCRA Registered Associations of Andhra Pradesh have been received regarding alleged indulgence in conversion to Christianity.

Details of FCRA Registered Associations of Andhra Pradesh against whom complaints have been received

1. Metropolitan Mission

2. Swaantana Seva Samiti, A.P.

3. Oikonomas Ministries A.P.

4. Bikkavolu Charitable

5. Herald of Good News Society

6. India Rural Evangelical Fellowship

7. Living Sacrifice Ministries

8. Life Givers

9. Salesian Andhra Society

10. Diocese of Nellore Society

11. Love-n-Care Ministries

12. Indian Christian Ministries

13. AMG India International

14. Shalom Trust for Relief, Education, and Mission

15. Good Shepherd Convent

16. Samantha Community Development and Welfare Society

17. Harvest India

18. Sylom Blind Center

What is the amended rule of FCRA:

The new rule envisages reducing the compliance burden on citizens. "Any person receiving Foreign Contribution (FC) more than Rs. 10 Lakh in a financial year from relatives residing abroad, has to intimate to Central Government within three months of receipt of FC. Earlier such monetary threshold limit was Rs 1 Lakh and intimation to Central Govt. was required within thirty days," the new rule states.