Why did MHA cancel the FCRA licences of five prominent NGOs?

New Delhi, April 3: In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs, on Tuesday, cancelled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licences for five prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This comes as there were allegations against these NGOs of involvement in religious conversion and violations of foreign grant regulations.

The NGOs affected by this decision include 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).

CNI Synodical Board of Social Service

Established in 1970, along with the formation of the Church of North India (CNI), this NGS was serving as the official arm of the Church working in the rural development sector. Last December, the Home Ministry revoked the licence of Delhi-based Churches of North India (CNI). Officials stated that CNI and its affiliates faced allegations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), with raids against CNI for alleged misappropriation of church properties.

VHAI

VHAI, established in 1970, has collaborated closely with organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indian Council of Medical Research. It has received foreign grants from countries such as the USA and France, particularly active during disaster relief efforts following events like Gujarat's Bhuj earthquake, Odisha's super cyclone, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

CASA

The National Council of Churches formed the 'NCC Relief Committee' (NCC) at the time of India's Independence, which later evolved into the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA). CASA had received foreign donations from various countries, including Germany, the United States, and Sweden, with a substantial amount noted in the FCRA contribution statement from April to June 2023, as per the report.

Indo-Global Social Service Society

Established in 1960, The Indo Global Social Service Society, which focused on climate resilience, was receiving foreign funds from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. According to their website, it focuses on promoting sustainable livelihood, building climate-resilient communities and livelihood systems, energising the youth as change–makers, protecting lives, livelihood and assets from the impact of disasters, and advocating for the rights of urban poor.

Also Read: Cancel Caritas India's FCRA registration! Legal Rights Group writes to Shah

Evangelical Fellowship of India

The fifth NGO, Evangelical Fellowship of India, founded in 1951, is the national alliance of evangelical Christians. had its FCRA licence revoked for violating FCRA rules.

Over the past year, more than 100 NGOs, including notable entities like 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 due to alleged misuse of foreign grants. In January this year, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) saw its FCRA licence being cancelled for several violations.