Earlier, the NGOs were required to file these details on an annual basis. The NGOs now would be required to place the annual returns and such data quarterly on their website or website as prescribed by the government.
After going on a spree of cancelling FCRA registration of more than 10,000 fake and non-compliant NGOs, the Centre has introduced new set of rules that have made it mandatory for NGOs to upload and file details of foreign contribution received and utilised every quarter.
Earlier, the NGOs were required to file these details on an annual basis. The NGOs now would be required to place the annual returns and such data quarterly on their website or website as prescribed by the government.
Moreover, the NGOs will be required to bring all FCRA designated bank accounts and utilisation accounts on the online platform of public finance management service (PFMS) of Controller General of Accounts, Ministry of Finance.
The reduction in periodicity has been done to make the NGOs more accountable and introduce transparency, sources said.
The amendment to the FCRA rules, 2015 would now require a fresh affirmation from the NGO under Form FC – 4 that foreign contribution is not likely to affect prejudicially the security, strategic, scientific or economic interest of the State.
Sources said this has been added as a consequence to the secret IB report that gave adverse comments on several NGOs that had taken anti-mining and anti-nuclear power plant stand during the UPA-II regime.
The new rules, however, have made access to all FCRA services much easier as everything would be done online now thereby reducing human interface to a minimum that often resulted in corruption.
The revamped FCRA rules offers online filling up of all applications, uploading of documents and even payments of fees through dedicated website - fcraonline.nic.in.
Not only applications for new registration, renewal of registration and annual returns would be accepted online now, the digitally signed registration certificates, prior permission sanctions, etc. will also be issued to the applicants through emails. Fee for various services will be paid through a dedicated payment gateway.
The condition of applying for renewal one year before the expiry of existing registration certificate for associations implementing multi-year project has been removed in the new rules.
The NGOs who do not receive or utilise foreign contribution in a financial year will not be required to submit certificate from Chartered Accountant and audited statement of accounts with annual return.
Requirement of seeking prior permission for change of name, aims and objects, address of the association, change of bank/ account, change in governing body members, etc. has also been relaxed to only intimation through FCRA online service.
Seeking details of functionaries of the association in annual return has been also been done away with.
Secret IB report
Sources said this has been added as a consequence to the secret IB report that gave adverse comments on several NGOs that had taken anti-mining and anti-nuclear power plant stand during the UPA-II regime. Launching the new FCRA portal, union home minister Rajnath Singh hoped that the new initiative will offer the genuine applicants seamless services of FCRA with adequate ease and facilitation.
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