India Tightens FCRA Rules, Excludes Proselytisation from Faith-Based Activities

The government has issued a series of amendments tightening the FCRA Rules for NGOs and associations in India on receiving and using foreign money | India News

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The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, allowing faith-based activities while excluding proselytisation. The new rules, issued in a gazette notification, specify that associations with foreign nationals as key functionaries will not be considered for registration or prior permission to receive foreign funds, with exceptions. The amendments broaden the definition of key functionary to cover various roles and introduce a new clause requiring NGOs to specify the exact purpose and state or Union Territory of their operations. The rules also specify religious education, documentation, and preservation of indigenous beliefs, excluding proselytisation. A fee structure has been introduced, and a minimum spending limit of ₹10 lakh of foreign contributions on chosen activities over the last two financial years has been set. NGOs receiving foreign funds must now provide details of their social media accounts, disclose the ultimate donor, and submit a detailed activity report alongside financial statements.