Centre directs NGOs to seek FCRA registration renewal four months before expiry

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday directed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to submit applications for renewal of their Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration at least four months before expiry.

FCRA registration, which is mandatory for NGOs and associations to receive foreign funds, is renewed every five years.

In a communication, the Ministry noted that several associations had been submitting renewal applications less than 90 days before the expiry of their certificates. “Such delayed submissions do not allow sufficient time for scrutiny and for obtaining necessary inputs from security agencies before the validity expires. As a result, certificates are deemed to have ceased on expiry while renewal applications remain pending. Consequently, …such associations cannot receive or utilise foreign contribution until renewal is granted, thereby disrupting their ongoing activities,” the Ministry said.

It further stated that NGOs are “strictly advised to submit their renewal applications well in advance and, in any case, not later than four months before the expiry of their certificate. This will facilitate timely processing and disposal of their applications, and avoid disruption in their activities”.

As on Tuesday, 16,192 associations and NGOs had active FCRA registration.