FCRA licence of think tank Centre for Policy Research suspended; Details inside-

NewsBharati    01-Mar-2023 15:16:37 PM
Total Views | 116
New Delhi, Mar 1: In a significant development, the government has suspended the leading public policy think tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR)’s licence under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) for violating the provisions of the law.
According to the reports, the FCRA licence of the think tank was suspended following prima-facie inputs regarding the violation of such funding norms. After suspension, a thorough investigation will take place and further decision will be accordingly taken.

CPR is headed by Yamini Aiyar who is the daughter of controversial Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar.
 
FCRA licence of think tank Centre for Policy Research suspended
 
CPR has since 1973 been involved in research with a focus on India’s 21st-century challenges and a non-profit dedicated to conducting research that contributes to better policies, and a more robust public discourse about the issues that impact life in India. Meenakshi Gopinath, a political scientist who taught at Jawaharlal Nehru University, is CPR’s chairperson.
In September last year, the Income Tax (IT) department “surveyed” records of CPR, NGO Oxfam India, and Bengaluru-based Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation as part of a probe related to foreign funding. Moreoever, Oxfam India’s foreign funding was earlier blocked in December 2021 when the Union home ministry refused to renew its FCRA licence.
 
Also Read:  Oxfam India, accused of funding Anti-Delhi riots, loses its FCRA license for massive violation

The decision on suspending CPR’s licence was taken after the IT department submitted its findings to the government. Apart from this, FCRA licences can be suspended for 180 days. An organisation cannot receive foreign funding during this period and money in its foreign funding account can be used only with the ministry’s prior approval.
Earlier this year, more than 6,000 NGOs whose licenses were withdrawn had approached the Supreme Court seeking relief. However, the apex court turned down their pleas.
 
Also Read:  Rajiv Gandhi Foundation received Rs 1.35 cr from Chinese Embassy, Rs 50 lakhs from Zakir Naik: Amit Shah over FCRA violations

To receive foreign grants, NGOs must register with the MHA, which assigns a unique FCRA registration number, to be renewed every five years. The MHA in September last year extended the validity of FCRA registration of all non-governmental organisations (NGO) till March 31, 2023.
 
FCRA registrations are renewed every five years and a large number of NGOs became eligible for renewal in October 2021. After the passage of new FCRA law in September 2020, the MHA has extended the deadline multiple times, the latest deadline being Match 31, 2023.