New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Tuesday directed all NGOs to submit their applications for renewal of registration under the FCRA at least four months before the expiry of their certificate. This measure is aimed at ensuring timely processing and preventing any disruption in their operations.
All NGOs receiving foreign funding are required to register under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010. The registration is generally valid for five years and can be renewed by submitting a fresh application.
In a public notice, the Home Ministry highlighted that Section 16(1) of the FCRA, 2010 mandates that every organization holding a certificate under Section 12 must apply for renewal within six months before the certificate’s expiry. Normally, the central government processes and renews certificates within 90 days of receiving the application.
The ministry observed that many NGOs submit renewal applications less than 90 days before the certificate expires. Such delays limit the time available for thorough scrutiny and obtaining necessary inputs from security agencies. Consequently, certificates are considered expired while renewal applications are still pending, preventing NGOs from receiving or utilizing foreign funds and disrupting their activities.
“Associations are therefore strongly advised to submit their renewal applications well in advance, and in any case, no later than four months before the certificate expires. This will ensure timely processing and avoid interruptions in their operations,” the notice stated.
