Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled the FCRA registration of 1142 organizations from Andhra Pradesh undivided) vide a cancellation order dt. 3-3-2015. It has stated that these organisations have not filed their Annual Returns from 2009 to 2012.
Among the well known organisations whose registrations have been cancelled include Osmania University, the University of Hyderabad, Andhra University in Vishakhpatnam. The Home Ministry has also cancelled the FCRA license of Cancer Care Units Research and Educational Foundation of Apollo Cancer Hospital at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. For complete list click here
The Dept had sent individual notices to 1441 organisation in the State, out of which responses came only from 299 cases. These cases are being examined. However the rest of the cases, where either the notice was returned (510 notices were returned undelivered) or where no response has come, registrations have been cancelled.
Obviously AP is the first state where the Dept. has taken action and it is quite likely that similar action could follow in other cases too. Infact SRRF analysis as posted earlier (see http://blog.srr-foundation.org/?p=2299) indicated that out of 39,087 registered entities more than 50% had not filed annual returns for FY 2013-14.
All registered organisations should ensure that their annual returns are upto date to avoid any hassles.
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Socio Research & Reform Foundation (NGO)
512 A, Deepshikha, 8 Rajendra Place, New Delhi – 110008
e-mail: socio-research@sma.net.in
Dear Friends,
To avert the danger of many NGOs getting FCRA certificate lapsed, srrf may open help line for NGOs on the compulsory renewal process of FCRA registration and conduct workshops on the same at different places.
Udayashankar
Dear Udayashankar,
Conducting workshop is really helpful to all NGO’s, we are in Mysore, please let us know when you will do the workshop. If it is in Bangalore also we will attend.
Regards
Nirmala
Dear Friends,
That explains the need for retraining the NGO staff including chief functionaries on a regular basis, considering the attrition rates with in the third sector.
srrf should play pro-active role.
NDA, like UPA, uses even the slightest opportunity to axe NGOs. One wonders how many FEMA registrations have been cancelled thus far! Any info?
Udayashankar
Manushi Sangathan had organised a conference on Foreign Funding to NGOs and thereafter filed a petition to the Prime Minister in February which is available here:
http://www.manushi.in/articles.php?articleId=1816#.VQrSHI6UeSp
Amit
It seems to be arbitrary! Needs to be reviewed on judicial test stone.
Dr KS Bhati,
Advovate
Sent via Micromax
what is the reason behind so many organisations not filing returns? This seems to give the Government enough rope to take such NGOs to task; more importantly, it does give an impression that there may be many NGOs who do not conform to statutory requirements. Does SRRF have any analysis for such a situation?
Joe D’Souza
Mr D’Souza,
No emparical data of why they do not comply. However based on visits to several NGOs across the country, major reasons appear to be
– Lack of interest due to lack of funding
– Lack of awareness, particularly among rural NGOs
– Incorrect addresses in records of FCRA Dept., hence their communications do not reach NGOs. Many do not know how to get their addresses changed in FCRA records. Perhaps others from their own experience can further add to this list.
Any cancellation is not overnight. It must have faced all necessary requisite measures. A general perception appears to be that large no of organizations may not be carrying out the functions entrusted. There may not be annual utilization certificates available to justify any further release of funds. If no compliance persists continuously; MHA has to cancel.
It is totally wrong decision of MHA to cancel registration of all – like UNIVERSITY and Hospital they are doing Nobel cause whats wrong if they didn’t file return?
They can Impose Financial penalties.. but cancellation not correct solution of Problem.