FCRA rules amended, debate over forced religious conversion; CBCI raises concern

NEW DELHI: The central government issued a notification prohibiting organisations from using foreign funds for religious conversion. The union government clarified the purposes for which the money can be used.

The Union Home Ministry amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of 2011 to include new provisions. Violation of the rules will be subject to heavy fines.

A bill that empowers the government to acquire the properties of organisations that violate the rules is likely to be introduced in Parliament next month. The central government shelved the bill following opposition from Christian groups.

Foreign funds can be used only for 18 activities, including construction, renovation, and maintenance of places of worship; religious education; the propagation of devotional songs; and the printing of holy books. The notification also states that funds should not be used for religious education, rituals, and worship practices, recording, preservation, revival, preaching, satsangs, sermons, meditation, or to convert vulnerable people.

To obtain FCRA registration, in addition to religious purposes, it is necessary to clearly specify which of the 105 types of activities under cultural, economic, educational, and social categories the funds will be used for. Institutions must also disclose their social media accounts and websites.

👉If foreign contributions are received for unauthorised purposes, a penalty of 30 per cent of the amount used or Rs. 1 lakh, whichever is greater, will be levied.

👉If more than 20 per cent of foreign contributions are spent on administrative expenses, a penalty will be imposed.

👉Fine will be levied even if funds are spent in a state where registration is not allowed. The states in which the activities are carried out must be recorded accurately.

👉Registration for organisations in which foreign citizens are the main office bearers is subject to special permission from the government.

👉Organizations that do not spend at least Rs. 10 lakh in two financial years will be considered inactive, and their registration will be cancelled.

👉The next fund will be approved only if at least 75 per cent of the amount received earlier is used.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference (CBCI) alleged that the Central Government is strangling the NGOs that help the poor by amending the Foreign Contribution Regulation (FCRA) rules and restricting the flow of funds. CBCI Deputy Secretary General Rev. Dr Mathew Koyickal also pointed out that there is a lack of clarity in the provisions prohibiting religious conversion.

“It is feared that any activity by minority organisations might be interpreted as religious conversion. Health, a sector that non-governmental organisations used to frequently work in, is not among the 105 permitted sectors. The strict registration process in several states is also a concern for NGOs. The central government's move is a serious violation of citizens' rights.” Mathew Koyickal also announced that he will meet the Union Home Minister and express his complaint.