Civil

Online Analytical Tool Launched To Monitor Foreign Contributions under FCRA

01.06.2018

Union Government launched an Online Analytical Tool to facilitate closer monitoring of the flow and utilisation of foreign contributions received by various organisations registered or permitted under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010. The web-based tool would assist decision-makers in various Departments of Government to scrutinise source of foreign funds and their actual use in India. Further, it would empower decision makers to take data-driven and evidence-based decisions in order to implement provisions of the FCRA, 2010. The tool has analytical features to conduct big data mining and data exploration. As per the official statement by Ministry of Home Affairs, its dashboard will be integrated with the bank accounts of the FCRA-registered entities through the Public Financial Management System for updating of transactional data on a real-time basis.

Foreign Hospitality refers to any offer, not being a purely casual one, made in cash or kind by a foreign source for providing a person with the costs of travel to any foreign country or territory or with free board, lodging, transport or medical treatment. Categories of persons requiring prior approval from Home Ministry before accepting Foreign Hospitality are Members of a Legislature, office bearers of political parties, Judges, Government servants, Employees of any corporation or any other body owned or controlled by the Government. Permission shall not be necessary for an emergent medical aide needed on account of sudden illness contracted during a visit outside India. But, where such foreign hospitality has been received, the person receiving such hospitality shall give an intimation to the Central Government as to the receipt of such hospitality within one month from the date of receipt of such hospitality.

FCRA, 2010 has been enacted by the Parliament to consolidate the law to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality by certain individuals or associations or companies and to prohibit acceptance and utilization of foreign contribution or foreign hospitality for any activities detrimental to national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. As per the statement of Home Ministry, there are approximately 25,000 active organisations registered under The FCRA, 2010. Foreign Contributions are received by such organisations from foreign donors for various social, cultural, economic, educational and religious activities. Each FCRA-NGO conducts multiple financial transactions in receiving and spending the foreign contribution. Therefore, such transactions could be monitored effectively through this tool. The tool would also help the stakeholders in Government to better regulate acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions.

Tags : Online tool Foreign contributions Regulations

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