The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has suspended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), a Delhi-based think tank, for 180 days.
* A government official reported that the suspension was imposed due to initial breaches of FCRA regulations.
* On September 7, 2022, the Income Tax department visited the CPR office.
* Foreign funds can only be received with an FCRA registration, meaning that the CPR will not be able to accept fresh foreign donations or use previously-accepted donations without the MHA’s approval.
* Established in 1973, the CPR conducts research that contributes to high-quality scholarship, better policies, and a more robust public discourse on issues impacting India.
* The MHA has informed the CPR that the suspension will last for 180 days, according to a statement by the organisation.
Routine Scrutiny and Audits by Indian government Authorities :
* The association, CPR, is fully compliant with the law and subject to routine scrutiny and audits by Indian government authorities, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
* The association undergoes annual statutory audits, and all audited balance sheets are publicly available.
* CPR asserts that they have not engaged in any activities outside the scope of their association or the compliance mandated by law.
* CPR intends to explore all available avenues of recourse in response to the recent MHA order.
* CPR’s work is focused on advancing constitutional objectives and safeguarding constitutional guarantees.
* The institution is confident that the issue will be resolved fairly and expeditiously, in accord with constitutional values.
* CPR collaborates with government departments, charitable organizations, autonomous institutions, and universities in India and across the world.
* CPR is recognized globally for its policy and academic excellence, and its full-time and visiting scholars include experts from NITI Aayog, journalists, members of the Indian Army, former diplomats, civil servants, and leading researchers...
Source : The Hindu