Oxfam India: The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered an FIR against Oxfam India over an alleged violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). It carried out searches at its office in Delhi on Wednesday.
The FIR follows recommendation by the Union Home Ministry for a CBI probe against the Indian arm of the global NGO Oxfam for alleged violation of the FCRA.
Oxfam India plans to circumvent law
The complaint by the home ministry is now part of the FIR. It alleged that though Oxfam India’s FCRA registration has ceased, it is planning to circumvent the law by taking other routes to channelise funds.
“Email communication found during IT (income tax) survey by the CBDT shows that Oxfam India has been planning to pressure Indian government for renewal of FCRA through foreign governments and foreign institutions,” it alleged.
The complaint also said that Oxfam India routed funds of its foreign affiliates such as Oxfam Australia and Oxfam Great Britain to certain NGOs and exercised control over the project.
“From the email found during IT survey by the CBDT it appears that 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 Oxfam India which shows payment of Rs 12.71 lakh to CPR in the F.Y. 2019-20…,” the complaint alleged.
The Indian arm of the global NGO works on issues such as poverty, inequality, gender justice and climate change. The non-governmental organisation has denied any wrongdoing and said that it was cooperating with the authorities.
NGO says refutes charges
After the Home Ministry recommended a probe, Oxfam India said in a statement that it is fully compliant with Indian laws and has filed all its statutory compliances, including FCRA returns, in a timely manner since its inception.
“Oxfam India has been cooperating with all government agencies since its FCRA registration wasn’t renewed in December 2021. We have filed a plea in the Delhi High Court against the decision to not renew our FCRA registration. The high court has asked the Union government to respond to our plea,” the NGO said.
In 2021, the home ministry refused to renew Oxfam India’s FCRA licence blocking its funds. It cited violation of foreign funding norms.
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