FCRA Registration

The prime objective of The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 is to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution and foreign hospitality by persons and associations working in the important areas of national life. The focus of the Act is to ensure that the foreign contribution and foreign hospitality is not utilized to affect or influence electoral politics, public servants, judges and other people working the important areas of national life like journalists, printers and publishers of newspapers, etc. The Act also seeks to regulate flow of foreign funds to voluntary organizations with the objective of preventing any possible diversion of such funds towards activities detrimental to the national interest and to ensure that individuals and organizations may function in a manner consistent with the values of the sovereign democratic republic.

FCRA Registration Procedure

Organizations seeking foreign contributions for definite cultural, social,economic, educational or religious programmes may either obtain registration or prior permission to receive foreign contribution from Ministry of Home Affairs by making application in the prescribed format and furnishing details of the activities and audited accounts. The registration is granted only to such association which has proven track record of functioning in the chosen field of work during last three years and after registration, such organization is free to receive foreign contribution from any foreign source for its stated objectives. Registration is granted only after thorough security vetting of the activities and antecedents of the organization and office bearers thereof. However, such organizations which are newly established and do not have proven track record of functioning may also receive foreign contribution for specific activities, for aspecific purpose and from a specific source after seeking project based prior permission (PP) from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Those organization who are interested in FCRA registration,have to apply in Form FC8 along with this form some documents are also required to be attached like:

1. Form FC8 is to be filled in triplicate.
2. Statement of account with audit report of past 3 years.
3. Past 5 years annual report.
4. Geographical details of the state and districts proposed for work.

Some other documents are also needed along with all these above mentioned documents as per the requirements .FCRA department also seek report from the intelligence bureau. On the basis of report from the intelligence bureau the FCRA have discretion whether to accept or reject the application. If all the terms and conditions are complied with then FCRA department will issue registration number.