IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

FCRA VIOLATION BY OXFAM

20th April, 2023 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Copyright infringement not intended

Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at Oxfam India.

Details

  • According to the source, Oxfam continued to transfer foreign donations to various other businesses even after the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act of 2020 went into force, which prohibited such transfers.
  • Recently, Oxfam India has challenged the Ministry's decision not to renew its FCRA registration in the Delhi High Court. Oxfam claims to be fully compliant with Indian regulations and has submitted all required compliances, including FCRA filings, on time since its inception.

Must Read Articles:

Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA): https://iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/foreign-contribution-regulation-act-fcra-4

Oxfam India report “Survival of the Richest: The India story”: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/oxfam-report-on-rich-poor-divide

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)?

1. It was enacted in 1976 to regulate foreign donations and ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect the internal security of the country.

2. It prohibits the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions for any activities detrimental to the national interest.

3. It allows individuals to accept foreign contributions without the permission of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

4. It requires all associations or companies receiving foreign funds to open a designated "FCRA Account" in any Public Sector Bank.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 3 and 4 only

D) 4 and 1 only

Answer: A

Explanation:

Statement 3 is incorrect: Individuals are not permitted to accept foreign contributions without permission of the MHA.

Statement 4 is incorrect: The requirement of opening a designated "FCRA Account" in the SBI was introduced in 2020 by an amendment to the FCRA Act.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cbi-registers-fir-against-oxfam-india-for-fcra-violation/article66756885.ece