Question : PARTICIPATION OF IAS IPS OFFICERS IN NGOS

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to amend the rules and ban the participation of IAS/IPS and other Allied Service Officers and their kith and kins in Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs);

(b) whether there are reports that these NGOs work as front runners for corporate houses and foreign agencies;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has set up a separate department to check the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds received by the NGOs;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken to monitor funds received by these NGOs both from within the country and abroad and to place their audited accounts in the public domain via internet?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a): Ministry of Home Affairs does not deal with the amendment of service rules. Non-Government Organizations by their very nature are distinct from Government.

(b): No such report is available.

(c): Does not arise.

(d) to (f): Government has FCRA Wing in the Ministry of Home Affairs to check receipt and utilisation of foreign contribution received by ‘persons’ including NGOs.

The FCRA, 2010 provides for NGOs to receive foreign funds after registration or prior permission. Every application of NGOs for registration or granting Prior Permission is decided with inputs from the concerned security agencies. The NGOs who have been registered/ given prior permission for receiving foreign funds are required to submit annual accounts. These are scrutinized and wherever required, physical inspection is conducted. Based on the findings of the inspection team, appropriate action is taken.

The organizations receiving and utilising foreign contribution are required to submit Annual Accounts for a financial year 1st April to 31st March within a period of nine months from closure of the year i.e. by 31st December each year. Such Annual Account is to be submitted in the prescribed format duly audited by a Chartered Accountant. FCRA provides for a reporting mechanism by the recipients of foreign contribution as well as by the Banks