NGOs run by Chrisitian missionaries received bulk of foreign funds

New Delhi, Sep 14 (UNI) Indian NGOs received about Rs 5100 crore foreign contribution during 2003-04 of which 25 NGOs got about Rs 200 crore each.

Among those receiving Rs 200 crore included 18 NGOs being run by Christian Missionaries, sources said.

This has happened despite the GoM considering a new act to replace the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 1976 under which NGOs indulging in conversion activities would be banned from getting foreign contribution.

These figures are also significant in view of recent allegations by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi that some of the NGOs were getting foreign contributions.

The GoM was set up in June last year to oversee the formulation of the new Act to replace the FCRA of 1976 which had reportedly failed to check the overseas funding of anti-national organisations.

The new law was being formulated amidst concerns from various security agencies about massive diversion of foreign funds by NGOs as the FCRA had failed to take action against any of the accused organisations.

The new legislation was likely to include a provision for review of licence of NGOs which received funds from foreign agencies. The government is also planning to set up at least half a dozen FCRA offices which will directly monitor organisations receiving funds and also audit their accounts to establish the end use of the money, the sources added.

UNI AJ AT KN1814