The Ministry of Home Affairs, India, has issued a public notice to extend the validity of FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration certificates for specific categories of entities. This extension aims to provide relief to organizations affected by delays in the renewal process. In this article, we will provide a detailed analysis of the notice, its implications, and the categories of entities affected.
1. Extension Categories
The public notice outlines two categories of FCRA registered entities eligible for validity extension:
(i) Entities with Pending Renewal Applications: Entities whose registration certificates were extended until September 30, 2023, based on the public notice dated March 24, 2023, and have pending renewal applications will have their validity extended until March 31, 2024, or until the renewal application is disposed of, whichever comes earlier.
(ii) Entities with Expiring 5-Year Validity: Entities with FCRA certificates expiring between October 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, and have applied or will apply for renewal before the expiry of their 5-year validity period will have their validity extended until March 31, 2024, or until the renewal application is disposed of, whichever comes earlier.
2. Implications: FCRA registered associations are advised to take note of the extension but should be aware that if their renewal application is refused, the certificate’s validity will be considered expired from the date of refusal. In such cases, the association will not be eligible to receive or utilize foreign contributions.
3. Conclusion: The extension of FCRA registration certificate validity for specific categories of entities by the Ministry of Home Affairs is a measure to ease the challenges faced by organizations due to delays in the renewal process. It offers temporary relief to those entities whose registration certificates were extended in the past or are set to expire in the coming months. However, it is essential for these organizations to monitor the status of their renewal applications closely.
Nonetheless, FCRA registered associations should continue to adhere to FCRA regulations and guidelines during this period. Any refusal of renewal applications will result in the immediate cessation of their eligibility to receive and utilize foreign contributions. It is crucial for affected entities to take appropriate actions and maintain compliance with FCRA regulations to ensure the smooth continuation of their operations.
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Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
(Foreigners-II Division-FCRA)
First Floor, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium,
India Gate Circle, New Delhi,
Public Notice No.II/21022/23(22)/2020-FCRA-III Dated: 25th September, 2023
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 24.03.2023, 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 30.09.2023 in terms of the Public Notice dated 24.03.2023 and whose renewal application is pending, will stand extended till 31.03.2024 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 01.10.2023 to 31.03.2024 and who have applied/will apply for renewal before expiry of 5 years validity period, will stand extended upto 31.03.2024 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.
(K Sanjayan)
Director (FCRA)
