Centre Recommends CBI Probe Against Oxfam Over FCRA Violations

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday recommended a CBI probe against Oxfam India for alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday recommended a CBI probe against Oxfam India for alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday recommended a CBI probe against Oxfam India for alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.

Oxfam India allegedly transferred foreign contributions to various entities even after the implementation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020. The act, which came into effect on September 29, 2020, prohibited such transfers. In violation of provisions set forth by the FCRA, 2010, Oxfam India transferred funds to other NGOs.

Emails discovered during an IT survey by the CBDT revealed that Oxfam India was planning to bypass provisions set forth by the FCRA, 2010 by routing funds to other FCRA-registered associations or through a for-profit consultancy route, reported Times Now. The survey also found that Oxfam India could have been serving as an instrument of foreign policy for foreign organizations/entities that have funded the organization generously over the years.

According to PTI, the survey also "exposed" the possibility of Oxfam India serving as a potential tool of foreign policy for foreign organisations or entities that have been generously funding it over the years. PTI, citing sources, reported that Oxfam India allegedly routed funds to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its associates and employees in the form of a commission.

The MHAin December last year had refused to renew Oxfam India's plea to renew its FCRA licence.

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

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.