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Is government muzzling civil society voice?

Licences of 14,255 NGOs already frozen and the list is growing fast

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In a massive crackdown, the Union home ministry besides cancelling FCRA licences of 14,255 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the last two years also froze accounts of 23 associations and prohibited 20 NGOs from receiving foreign contribution.

Going into a hyperbole mode, in the last one year alone home ministry has cancelled licences of 10,117 NGOs, penalised 341 by imposing a hefty fine of Rs 5.21 crore for non-submission of mandatory annual returns and imposed a fine of Rs 52 lakh on 24 associations for receipt and utilisation of foreign contribution without obtaining registration or prior permission under the FCRA.

The latest in the list of NGOs whose accounts have been frozen are Sabrang Communications & Publishing Private Limited and Greenpeace India and a couple of organisations involved in protests against Kudankulam nuclear plant.

Besides, the home ministry has referred 15 cases to the CBI and 10 to state police for further investigation and prosecution. Some of the NGOs against whom a CBI inquiry has been initiated are Christina Outreach Centre, Andhra Pradesh, Centre for Promotion of Social Concerns, Tamil Nadu, Indian Development Group (India Chapter), UP, PIMS Medical and Education Charitable Society, Punjab.

The severity of action against the NGOs that form the core of the civil society in India has lately brought international glare on India. When the home ministry put one of the biggest international donor Ford Foundation in the prior permission list, it prompted the USA to nudge India and be considerate towards the civil society, an important ingredient in a democracy.

However, the home ministry has remained steadfast indicating that action against the NGOs will continue.

"The government receives inputs from various security agencies, including Intelligence Bureau, from time to time, about the violations of FCRA. However, action is initiated against the alleged violators only after due scrutiny and following due process as prescribed in the FCRA Act," said minister of state for home, Kiren Rijiju

"Question of muzzling NGOs/civil society by government does not arise as expeditious action is taken as and when adverse inputs of violations of provisions of the Act are received against any association. Even then adequate opportunity is given to them and due process of law is followed," added Rijiju.

Hit hard
(Action against NGOs since 2014)

Notices issued -- 10,343
Registration canceled -- 10,117
Cases referred to CBI -- 15
To state police -- 10
Accounts frozen -- 23
Prohibited receiving foreign funds -- 20
No. of NGOs penalised -- 365
Penalty amount -- Rs 5.73 crore

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