Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Polity & Governance
Why in News?
Recently, Home Ministry has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Rules, 2011, tightening accountability and disclosure norms for NGOs and associations receiving foreign funds.
|
Feature |
FCRA Rules, 2011 |
2026 Amendment |
|
Purpose |
NGOs had flexibility in defining activities |
NGOs must choose activities only from a predefined Schedule (religious, cultural, economic, educational, social) and |
|
Location |
No strict requirement to specify operational states/UTs. |
specify exact States/UTs of operation. |
|
Religious Activities |
Religious activities permitted broadly. |
|
|
Associations with foreign nationals |
No explicit restriction. |
Associations with foreign nationals (other than persons of Indian origin) as key functionaries will ordinarily not be considered, unless specially permitted by Centre. |
|
Definition of Key Functionary |
Narrowly defined (main office bearers). |
Broadened to include directors, partners, trustees, Karta of HUF, or anyone controlling management. |
|
Financial Accountability |
No minimum spending requirement for renewal. |
NGOs must have spent at least Rs.10 lakh of foreign contribution in last two financial years to retain/renew registration. |
|
Release of Funds |
Subsequent instalments released without utilisation threshold. |
Next instalment only after 75% utilisation of previous instalment, verified by field inquiry. |
|
Disclosures |
Annual returns included financial statements; limited activity details. |
NGOs must disclose social media accounts, ultimate donor if funds routed via intermediaries, and submit detailed activity reports. |
|
Media Restrictions |
No specific prohibition. |
NGOs/key functionaries prohibited from publishing or broadcasting news/current affairs. |
|
Disclosures |
NGOs only reported donor names as per receipts. |
NGOs must disclose the original source/ultimate donor if funds come via intermediary remittance vehicles or Donor Advised Funds. |
|
One‑Year Transition Window |
No such requirement |
Existing NGOs get 1 year to disclose their specific purposes and states in registration. |
Proselytization (or proselytism) is the act of attempting to convert someone from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
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