Q40 Non-Party Action

Not Technical, This Is Political’: India’s NGO Shutdowns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrQFQurFRXs Article 14 Jul 24, 2024 #cfa #NGO #civilsocietyorganisation In July 2024, the government revoked the foreign funding via the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) of the Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA) due to alleged filing errors for the financial years 2018 and 2019. The FCRA licence is essential for NGOs in India to obtain foreign donations. CFA's director, Joe Athialy, criticised the decision, suggesting it was politically motivated rather than a result of the cited technical errors. FCRA cancellations have affected thousands of NGOs since 2015. Prominent organisations like the Centre for Policy Research and the Centre for Education and Communication were hit in 2024. Civil society organisations said they faced operational challenges due to these cancellations, which they argue are part of a broader effort to silence critical voices and control NGO activities.