CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced stricter guidelines for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that receive foreign donations, particularly those involved in publishing-related activities. These updates are designed to improve transparency, accountability, and compliance with both national financial laws and global standards.
Major Regulatory Updates
The revised guidelines, issued under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), mandate NGOs to submit comprehensive documentation when applying for registration or renewal. Key requirements include:
Audited financial reports covering the last three years.
Detailed breakdowns of assets, liabilities, income, expenditures, receipts, and payments.
New Documentation Criteria
If an NGO’s financial records lack a breakdown of activity-wise expenses, a certificate from a chartered accountant is now mandatory. For organisations involved in publications, additional steps are required:
An undertaking of FCRA compliance specific to publishing.
A declaration stating that the publication is “Not a Newspaper”, in case it is listed with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).
Alignment With FATF Recommendations
To align with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) the global watchdog for anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing NGOs must submit a donor commitment letter. This letter must affirm that the pledged foreign donation matches the actual amount transferred.
Cap On Administrative Expenses
The updated rules limit administrative expenses to a maximum of 20% of the total foreign contribution received. This is intended to ensure that the majority of funds are directed towards social, cultural, educational, religious, or economic programmes, rather than overheads.
Strict Compliance And Possible Penalties
All NGOs must be registered or granted prior permission by the MHA before accepting any foreign donations. Non-compliance may result in penalties, including suspension or cancellation of the NGO’s FCRA registration.
Restrictions On Publishing Activities
NGOs involved in publishing newsletters or periodicals are now under closer scrutiny. The MHA has restricted such content unless the organisation fully complies with the revised FCRA norms. This is part of a broader strategy to prevent the misuse of foreign funds under the guise of informational or editorial activities.
Broader Impact And Objectives
These regulatory updates signify the government's continued push for greater oversight in the NGO sector, particularly to ensure that foreign contributions are used exclusively for their intended purposes. The move also strengthens India’s position in adhering to international standards on financial transparency.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
