Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
Full Form of FCRA
What is FCRA?
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) is a statute enacted by the Parliament of India in 1976 and subsequently amended in 2010 and 2020 to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions or donations by individuals, associations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in India. Its primary objective is to ensure that foreign funds do not adversely affect India's internal security, sovereignty, or public interest. The Act requires any entity receiving foreign contributions to register with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), maintain proper accounts, and report annually. The FCRA is crucial for maintaining transparency in the flow of foreign funds to Indian civil society and preventing money laundering or misuse of funds for illegal activities. It is widely used by NGOs, charitable trusts, research institutions, and religious organizations that seek foreign funding. The FCRA is particularly relevant for UPSC, law, and civil services examinations, as it frequently appears in questions about constitutional bodies, governance, and international relations. The Act has been a subject of debate regarding its impact on the functioning of civil society organizations in India.
FCRA का फुल फॉर्म
विदेशी अंशदान विनियमन अधिनियम
Example
The NGO had to renew its FCRA registration before it could receive the grant from the international foundation for its rural development project.