JOIN USNGOs received Rs 11,546 cr foreign fund in 2011-12
The latest government report on Indian NGOs receiving foreign contribution states that Rs 11,546.29 crore was received in 2011-12, with Delhi and Karnataka figuring among the top recipients.
The annual report on “Receipt and Utilisation of Foreign Contribution by Voluntary Associations” under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) emphasised on the need for a rigorous enforcement system as the organisations are “vulnerable” to the risks of money laundering and terror financing.
The report said, NGOs based in Delhi received the highest contribution of Rs 2,285.75 crore followed by Tamil Nadu with Rs 1704.76 crore and Andhra Pradesh at Rs 1,258.52 crore). Maharashtra received Rs 1,107.39 crore and 1,657 NGOs in Karnataka received Rs 1,101.09 crore.
Among the cities, Bangalore is in the top-three with NGOs receiving foreign contribution to the tune of Rs 812.48 crore. Chennai topped the list with Rs 889.99 crore followed by Mumbai at Rs 825.40 crore.
The report, which was publicised recently, notes that the total amount could grow further as the Home Ministry has arrived at this figure based on annual returns submitted by 22,702 of the 43,527 NGOs, which were registered under FCRA up to March 2012. Of the 22,702 NGOs, 9,509 reported that it did not receive any foreign contribution.
The number of NGOs, which reported receipt of foreign contribution during 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 were 20,088, 21,508 and 22,735 respectively.
“Though, the number of associations reporting receipt and utilisation of foreign contribution is increasing, yet, it is a matter of concern that a large number of registered associations still do not submit their statutory annual returns mandated by the law,” the report noted.
The report also cited unofficial figures to indicate that there are over 20 lakh NGOs operating in the country.
“Since the NGOs actually work independently outside the government, it is expected that the NGOs should be self-regulating and law abiding. While it is not proper to make sweeping generalisations, it is necessary to note that the NGO sector in India is vulnerable to the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing. Therefore, necessary steps for rigorous enforcement as well as coordination with foreign countries for law enforcement will continue,” the report noted.
The list of donor countries continues to be led by the US (Rs 3,838.23 crore) followed by UK (Rs 1,219.02 crore) and Germany (Rs 1,096.01 crore). Foreign donors were topped by the Compassion International of the US (Rs 183.83 crore) followed by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints of the US (Rs 130.77 crore).