The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a new directive requiring all NGOs and organisations receiving foreign contributions to disclose their official website and social media handles during the registration process and subsequent audits. The move aims to enhance transparency and monitoring of foreign fund utilisation.
New disclosure requirements for FCRA registrations
As per the updated guidelines, any organisation applying for registration or renewal under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) must now provide details of its website and all active social media accounts, including platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. This information will be verified during annual audits and renewal processes.
An MHA official stated, “The disclosure will help authorities track the public outreach and activities of these organisations, ensuring that foreign funds are used for declared purposes.” The directive applies to all 14,460 organisations currently licensed to receive foreign contributions.
Impact on NGOs and compliance burden
NGOs that fail to provide accurate or updated website and social media details may face delays in registration or renewal, and could be subject to scrutiny. The MHA has also warned that non-compliance may lead to suspension of FCRA licences. Existing organisations have been given three months to update their records with the required information.
Industry experts believe the move will increase administrative burden on smaller NGOs with limited digital presence. However, the government maintains that the measure is essential for accountability in the use of foreign funds.
Background of FCRA amendments
The FCRA was last amended in 2020, introducing several provisions to tighten control over foreign contributions, including the requirement for organisations to open accounts only in specified banks and to submit annual returns more rigorously. The latest mandate is part of ongoing efforts to streamline compliance and prevent misuse of foreign funds.
According to MHA data, over 20,000 FCRA registrations have been cancelled in the past five years due to violations. The new disclosure rule is expected to further reduce the number of non-compliant entities.
