Introduction: The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has issued a public notice regarding the extension of FCRA registration certificates’ validity. This move aims to provide clarity and guidance to FCRA registered entities amidst evolving regulatory frameworks.
1. Categories Affected:
- Entities with pending renewal applications whose validity was extended till 31.03.2024 will now have their validity extended till 30.06.2024 or until renewal is processed, whichever is earlier.
- FCRA entities with a 5-year validity expiring between 01.04.2024 to 30.06.2024, and have applied or will apply for renewal before expiration, will also have their validity extended till 30.06.2024 or until renewal is processed, whichever is earlier.
2. Implications for FCRA Registered Associations:
- It’s crucial for FCRA registered associations to note that refusal of renewal application leads to the expiry of the certificate, rendering them ineligible to receive or utilize foreign contributions.
- Associations must ensure timely renewal applications and compliance with regulatory requirements to avoid disruptions in foreign contributions.
Conclusion: The extension of FCRA registration validity offers relief to registered entities by providing additional time for renewal processing. However, it underscores the importance of adhering to renewal procedures and regulatory compliance to maintain eligibility for foreign contributions. FCRA registered associations should promptly act upon this update to ensure seamless operations within the stipulated guidelines.
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No. II/21022/23(22)/2020-FCRA-III
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
(Foreigners-II Division-FCRA)
First Floor, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,
India Gate Circle, New Delhi.
Dated: the 28th March. 2024
PUBLIC NOTICE
Subject: Extension of the validity of FCRA registration certificates
In continuation of Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Notice No. II/21022/23(22)12020-FCRA-III, Dated 25.09.2023, the Central Government, in public interest, has decided to extend the validity of FCRA registration certificates of the following categories of FCRA registered entities:
(i) The validity of registration certificates of such entities whose validity was extended till 31.03.2024 in terms of the Public Notice dated 25.09.2023 and whose renewal application is pending, will stand extended till 30.06.2024 or till the date of disposal of renewal application, whichever is earlier.
(ii) The validity of those FCRA entities whose 5 years validity period is expiring during 01.04.2024 to 30.06.2024 and who have applied/will apply for renewal before expiry of 5 years validity period, will stand extended upto 30.06.2024 or till the date of disposal of renewal application, whichever is earlier.
2. All FCRA registered associations are therefore advised to take note that in case of refusal of the application for renewal of certificate of registration, the validity of the certificate shall be deemed to have expired on the date of refusal of the application of renewal and the association shall not be eligible either to receive the foreign contribution or utilise the foreign contribution received.
3. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority. All concerned may take note of the above decision and take appropriate action in the matter.
Director (FCRA)
