How Many Types of Registration Are There Under FCRA?

FCRA registration has two main types: prior permission and registration. Prior permission is for specific purposes, while registration is for general activities.

Recent update:

Government cancels more FCRA licenses of NGOs citing ‘violations’, marking second wave of cancellations in a month, rendering affected NGOs unable to receive foreign contributions or utilize existing funds.

Introduction

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, governs how individuals and associations in India receive and utilize foreign contributions. FCRA registration is the process of obtaining permission under this act. This vital piece of legislation ensures transparency and accountability in foreign funding, preventing its misuse for activities that could harm India’s national interests.

Types of FCRA Registration

Under the FCRA, there are two primary types of registration:

1. Prior Permission Certificate (PPC): This is a temporary registration that is typically granted for one year. Organizations seeking to receive foreign contributions for specific projects or activities can apply for a PPC.
2. Permanent Registration Certificate (PRC): This is a long-term registration that is valid for five years. Organizations with a consistent track record of receiving and utilizing foreign contributions responsibly can apply for a PRC.

FCRA Registration Process

The FCRA registration process involves several steps, including:

1. Online Application: Organizations must create an account on the FCRA online portal and submit the relevant application form, along with supporting documents.
2. Verification and Scrutiny: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) verifies the submitted documents and scrutinizes the organization’s background and objectives.
3. Inspection and Assessment: In some cases, the MHA may conduct an inspection of the organization’s premises and assess its activities.
4. Grant of Registration: If the MHA is satisfied with the organization’s compliance with the FCRA regulations, it will grant the PPC or PRC.

Significance of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)

The FCRA plays a critical role in regulating foreign funding in India for several reasons:

1. Prevents Misuse of Foreign Funds: The act safeguards against the misuse of foreign funds for activities that may pose a threat to India’s national security, economic stability, or social harmony.
2. Promotes Transparency and Accountability: The FCRA mandates transparency in the receipt and utilization of foreign contributions, ensuring that funds are used for the intended purposes.
3. Facilitates Responsible Foreign Funding: The act creates a framework for responsible foreign funding, encouraging the inflow of funds for legitimate and beneficial activities.

 Scope and Objectives of the FCRA

The FCRA applies to all individuals and associations registered in India that receive or intend to receive foreign contributions. The act’s primary objectives are to:

1. Regulate the receipt and utilization of foreign contributions: Organizations must obtain prior permission or registration under the FCRA to receive foreign funds.
2. Ensure transparency and accountability: Organizations must maintain proper records of foreign contributions and their utilization.
3. Prevent misuse of foreign funds: Organizations must refrain from using foreign funds for activities that violate Indian laws or pose a threat to the country’s interests.

Eligibility for FCRA Registration

• The organization must have a governing body that is responsible for the overall management of the organization.
• The governing body must meet at least once a year.
• The organization must maintain proper accounts and records of its foreign contribution.
• The organization must submit annual reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

If the organization meets all of the eligibility criteria and requirements, it can apply for FCRA registration. The application can be made online or offline. The processing time for an FCRA registration application is usually 3 to 6 months.

Exemptions from FCRA Registration

The following are exempt from FCRA registration:

• The Government of India and any State Government: This includes their departments, ministries, and agencies.
• Statutory bodies: This includes bodies that are established by or under a Central Act or State Act.
• Institutions of higher education: This includes universities, colleges, and other institutions that are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
• Scientific and research institutions: This includes institutions that are recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• Hospitals: This includes hospitals that are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
• Charitable institutions: This includes institutions that are registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
• Individuals: Individuals are not required to register under FCRA, even if they receive foreign contributions. However, they must report the foreign contributions to the income tax authorities.
• Foreign contributions that are received for personal use: This includes contributions that are received for travel, education, or medical expenses.
• Foreign contributions that are received for a religious purpose: This includes contributions that are received for the construction or maintenance of a place of worship.
• Foreign contributions that are received for a humanitarian purpose: This includes contributions that are received for the relief of natural disasters or other emergencies.

Conditions for exemptions

• The conditions for exemptions from FCRA registration vary depending on the type of entity seeking exemption. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions for some of the key exempt categories:
• Government of India and State Governments:
  • The foreign contribution must be received for a government purpose, such as defense, development, or welfare.
  • The foreign contribution must be received directly by the government or through an authorized channel.
• Statutory Bodies:
  • The statutory body must be established by or under a Central Act or State Act.
  • The statutory body must have the power to receive and administer funds.
  • The foreign contribution must be received for the purpose of carrying out the statutory body’s functions.
• Institutions of Higher Education:
  • The institution must be recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
  • The foreign contribution must be received for the purpose of education, research, or development.
  • The institution must have a transparent and accountable mechanism for managing foreign contributions.
• Scientific and Research Institutions:
  • The institution must be recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) or the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
  • The foreign contribution must be received for the purpose of scientific research or development.
  • The institution must have a transparent and accountable mechanism for managing foreign contributions.
• Hospitals:
  • The hospital must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
  • The foreign contribution must be received for the purpose of providing medical care or services.
  • The hospital must have a transparent and accountable mechanism for managing foreign contributions.
• Charitable Institutions:
  • The institution must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the Indian Trusts Act, 1882.
  • The foreign contribution must be received for a charitable purpose, such as poverty alleviation, education, or healthcare.
  • The institution must have a transparent and accountable mechanism for managing foreign contributions.

Compliance Requirements for FCRA Registered Organizations

• Maintenance of records
  • Organizations must maintain proper records of all foreign contributions received, including the source, amount, and purpose of the contribution
  • Organizations must maintain records of the utilization of foreign contributions, including the project or activity for which the funds were used
• Submission of annual returns
  • Organizations must submit an annual return to the MHA within six months of the end of the financial year
  • The annual return must provide details about the organization’s activities, finances, and foreign contributions
• Reporting of changes
  • Organizations must inform the MHA about any changes to their registration details, such as a change of address or contact information
  • Organizations must also inform the MHA about any significant changes to their activities or objectives

Penalties for Non-Compliance with FCRA

• Penalties for receiving foreign contributions without registration
  • Organizations that receive foreign contributions without registration are liable to a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakh
  • The organization’s members or trustees may also be liable to imprisonment for up to two years
• Penalties for violating FCRA regulations
  • Organizations that violate FCRA regulations are liable to a fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh
  • The organization’s registration may also be suspended or canceled

Benefits of FCRA Registration

FCRA registration offers several benefits to eligible organizations:

1. Legality of Receiving Foreign Contributions: FCRA registration grants organizations the legal authority to receive foreign contributions, ensuring they comply with the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.
2. Access to Global Funding Opportunities: FCRA registration opens up access to a wider pool of potential donors, including international organizations, foundations, and individuals, expanding the organization’s funding sources.
3. Enhanced Credibility and Recognition: FCRA registration enhances an organization’s credibility and reputation among domestic and international stakeholders, demonstrating transparency and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
4. Tax Exemptions and Benefits: FCRA-registered organizations may be eligible for tax exemptions and benefits under the Income Tax Act, 1961, reducing their financial burden and enhancing their ability to allocate resources towards their mission.
5. Improved Governance and Accountability: FCRA registration promotes stronger governance and accountability practices within the organization, as it mandates maintaining proper financial records, submitting annual reports, and adhering to regulatory requirements.
6. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities: FCRA registration can facilitate networking and collaboration opportunities with other FCRA-registered organizations, enabling knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and joint initiatives.
7. Access to Government Grants and Schemes: FCRA-registered organizations may be eligible to apply for government grants and schemes specifically designed for NGOs and non-profit organizations.
8. Enhanced Access to Expertise and Capacity Building: FCRA registration can open doors for organizations to access expertise and capacity-building opportunities through government programs, international organizations, and donor networks.
9. Positive Impact on Organizational Growth and Sustainability: The benefits of FCRA registration can positively impact an organization’s growth, sustainability, and ability to achieve its social impact goals.