CBI Registers Case Against Oxfam India For FCRA Violations

Oxfam India has been accused of violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, by allegedly transferring foreign contributions to various entities.

Earlier, the Centre recommended a CBI probe into the alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against social welfare organisation Oxfam India for alleged violations of funding laws. The move comes about a fortnight after the Centre recommended a CBI probe into the alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

Oxfam India has been accused of violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, by allegedly transferring foreign contributions to various entities. This act, which came into effect on September 29, 2020, prohibits such transfers. Despite this, Oxfam India reportedly transferred funds to other NGOs in violation of the provisions set forth by the FCRA, 2010.

"From the email found during IT survey by the CBDT it appears that the Oxfam India is providing funds to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its associates/employees in the form of commission. The same is also reflected from the TDS data of the Oxfam India which shows payment of Rs 12.71 lakh to the CPR in the F.Y. 2019-20...," the CBI complaint read.

The CBDT conducted an Income Tax survey, which revealed that Oxfam India was planning to bypass provisions set forth by the FCRA, 2010. The organization was allegedly planning to route funds to other FCRA-registered associations or through a for-profit consultancy route, in order to circumvent the regulations. The survey also found that Oxfam India may have been serving as an instrument of foreign policy for foreign organizations and/or entities that have funded the organization generously over the years. Oxfam India allegedly routed funds to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its associates and employees in the form of a commission.

Oxfam India is a non-governmental organization that works towards addressing issues of poverty and inequality in India. Established in 1951, the organization has been active in promoting social justice, gender equality, education, and human rights across the country.

In December last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs refused to renew Oxfam India's plea to renew its FCRA licence. Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of public think-tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR) for six months over alleged violation of laws. With the suspension of the licence, the think-tank will not be able to receive any funds from abroad.

(With inputs from PTI.)