Maharashtra Chief Minister says organisations complying with foreign funding rules and maintaining proper accounts will face no obstacles
By: South Asia Bureau
Location: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has defended the Centre’s move to bring a new Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Bill, saying the proposed legislation is aimed at organisations allegedly misusing foreign funds rather than any particular religious or social community.
Speaking in Nagpur, Fadnavis said some organisations had been continuously bringing foreign funds into India and using them for what he described as “anti-national activities”. He maintained that organisations engaged in legitimate work and complying with existing regulations would not face unnecessary difficulties under the proposed legislation.
Fadnavis said the FCRA framework would continue to govern organisations receiving foreign contributions and that those maintaining proper accounts and complying with the requirements would continue to be eligible for licences.
Addressing concerns that the proposed changes could disproportionately affect Christian organisations, the Maharashtra chief minister rejected the suggestion, saying the FCRA was not meant specifically for Christian organisations and would apply to all organisations receiving foreign donations, regardless of their community affiliation.
He also said that anyone seeking to raise concerns about the proposed legislation could do so in Parliament, where the Bill would be debated.
The remarks come as the proposed FCRA changes draw attention over the regulation of foreign contributions to non-governmental organisations and other institutions in India.
Published by:
Nikhil Kumar Mittal | Correspondent, South Asia