Context:
Central Bureau of Investigation conducted searches on the premises of NewsClick founder after registering a case alleging violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
About FCRA:
- Foreign contribution means donation, delivery or transfer made by any foreign source of any article, currency, or security.
- Foreign funding of persons in India is regulated under FCRA act.
- Implemented by – Ministry of Home Affairs
- Individuals are permitted to accept foreign contributions without permission of MHA.
- Validity – 5 years and NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within 6 months of date of expiry of registration.
- FCRA criteria for Foreign Donations Recipients –
- Organisations are required to register themselves every 5 years.
- Recipients of foreign contributions adhere to the stated purpose for which such contribution has been obtained.
- Open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2022:
- Amending Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, now individuals can send up to ₹10 lakhs without informing the government. (₹1 lakh earlier)
- If amount exceeds ₹10 lakhs, individuals will have 3 months to inform the government against 30 days earlier.
- Section 3 of FCRA act 2010 still bars Political parties, legislature members, election candidates, government servants, judges, journalists, and media houses from receiving foreign contribution.
- However, as per section 4(e) of FCRA,2010 and Rule 6 of FCRR ,2011, even the persons prohibited i.e., persons not permitted to accept foreign contribution, are allowed to accept foreign contribution from their relatives.
- Time limit prescribed for intimation to Central Government for application of obtaining ‘registration’ or ‘prior permission’ under FCRA to receive funds has been increased from 15 days to 45 days.
- List of compoundable offences under FCRA was increased to 12 from 7.
Compoundable offences are those where complainant can agree to take back charges levied against accused.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
2. It has a corpus of Rs. 4, 00,000 crore at present.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
