E-system: Home ministry to go hi-tech to simplify FCRA regime

NEW DELHI: The home ministry has proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, to replace the existing manual system of receipt of requests for registration, prior permission and renewal under FCRA, as well as maintenance of records of receipt and utilization of foreign contributions, with an online process.

Under the updated system of transactions relating to FCRA, the latest information technology will be used for e-filing of requests for registration and renewal, their aster processing and bringing transparency in reporting mechanism by banks.

The applicant needs to upload the digitally signed signed application, along with scanned documents as specified by the Centre from time to time. The process will provide for payment through an online electronic gateway .

Once an organization is granted a certificate of registration or prior permission under FCRA, it shall place on its declared official website the audited statement of accounts on receipts and utilization of the foreign contribution, including income and expenditure statement, receipts and payment account and balance sheet for every financial year, within nine months of closure of the financial year.

The bank will have to report in 48 hours any receipt or utilization of foreign contribution, whether in designated FCRA account of utilization account, in such form, format and periodicity as specified by the Centre.