Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Governance
Topic: the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations
Context: In January 2024, the Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Centre, a Taiwan-based Buddhist monastic order in Delhi, received FCRA clearance.
Issue: FCRA grant for NGO’s.
Synopsis:
- The clearance allows Fo Guang Shan to receive foreign funds for its “religious, cultural, economic, educational, and social” programs.
- In the first month of 2024, a total of 30 NGOs and associations obtained FCRA registration.
- In 2023, a record 1,111 NGOs were granted FCRA permission, marking the highest since 2014.
- FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive foreign donations, requiring a defined cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social program.
- Ministry data reveals that 13,520 associations received foreign contributions totaling ₹55,741.51 crore in the financial years 2019-2022.
- As of January 10, 2024, there are 16,987 active FCRA-registered NGOs in India.
- Nearly 6,000 NGOs saw their FCRA registrations become inoperative from January 1, 2022, as the Ministry refused renewal or NGOs didn’t apply.
Background:
