The Union Home Ministry has revoked the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licences of five prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) over allegations of engaging in religious conversion and violating regulations regarding foreign grants.

The latest round of cancellations followed a thorough examination by the Centre until March 31, 2024. Officials familiar with the matter identified prominent NGOs such as CNI Synodical Board of Social Service (CNI-SBSS), Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS), Church Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), and Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFOI). Many evangelical NGOs faced allegations of religious conversion and land acquisition.

Last September, the home ministry provided a six-month extension to several listed NGOs. However, officials announced on March 30 of this year that their licences had been cancelled. As a result, these NGOs will neither receive nor utilise foreign contributions until their certificates are renewed.

At the time of India's Independence, the National Council of Churches formed the 'NCC Relief Committee' (NCC), which later evolved into the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), according to its website.

Foreign donations from Germany, the United States, and Sweden have been received by CASA. According to the FCRA contribution statement from April to June 2023, the NGO received a sum of ₹9,63,65,095. An email query sent to the NGOs remained unanswered.

Last December, the home ministry revoked the licence of the Delhi-based Churches of North India (CNI). Officials confirmed that the FCRA licence of another affiliate, CNI-SBSS, was cancelled on March 30, 2024.

They added that the CNI and its affiliates were under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate. The central agency conducted raids against CNI at various locations last year over alleged gross misappropriation of Church properties. Additionally, the Indo Global Social Service Society, which focuses on climate resilience, has been receiving foreign funds from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Officials have confirmed the cancellation of the FCRA licence of the fifth NGO, the Evangelical Fellowship of India, on charges of violating FCRA rules. None of the organisations responded to email queries sent to them.

Over the past year, more than 100 NGOs, including the Centre for Policy Research, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust led by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and Oxfam India, have lost their FCRA licences on allegations of misusing foreign grants.

Image source: Indian Express