Retired bureaucrats urge Amit Shah to halt NGO harassment under FCRA

A group of retired bureaucrats known as the Constitutional Conduct Group (CCG) has written an open letter to India's Union home minister, Amit Shah, expressing their deep concern about the ongoing harassment of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The CCG urged Shah to take immediate action to stop the unnecessary targeting of NGOs, particularly those working to support marginalized communities in India.

Over the past eight years, the Modi government has imposed stricter regulations on NGOs receiving foreign funds, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of FCRA licenses and allegations of stifling dissent. The FCRA mandates registration for NGOs to receive foreign funds.

The CCG's letter highlighted that as of January 1, 2022, the FCRA registrations of nearly 5,933 NGOs had expired. While acknowledging cases where NGOs failed to renew on time, the CCG expressed concern about the denial of renewal to internationally reputed NGOs.

Notably, prominent organizations like the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), Oxfam India, Centre for Policy Research (CPR), and the Centre for Equity Studies (CES) have faced the cancellation or suspension of their FCRA licenses. These organizations focus on addressing the needs of marginalized communities and promoting constitutional rights such as food, work, health, and shelter.

The CCG argued that the cancellation/suspension of FCRA licenses and punitive actions by law enforcement agencies are consequences of flawed provisions within the FCRA. They believe the government aims to deter civil society organizations from seeking foreign funding.

The letter emphasized that the government should consider these organizations as partners rather than adversaries. It criticized the government's intolerance of criticism and its encouragement of intimidating practices, including searches, seizures, interrogations, and media leaks to discredit NGOs. The CCG highlighted that these organizations are led by individuals with impeccable records in public life.

The CCG's letter serves as an urgent plea to Amit Shah and the government to address the concerns raised regarding the harassment of NGOs under the FCRA. It calls for the recognition of NGOs' vital role in serving marginalized communities and upholding democratic values in India.