A sweeping action

After 2014, there has been a focussed targeting of Non Government Organisations (NGOs) a number of which belong to church organisations or those involved in human rights or environmental fields perceived to be against the ruling party. Critics argue that the Modi government’s proactive stance in targeting NGOs reflects a broader pattern of crackdown on dissenting voices and organizations critical of government policies. Many of the affected NGOs have been for even over a century, been involved in developmental activities linked to churches or advocate for causes that may be perceived as challenging the government’s agenda. Recently, five prominent NGOs have had their licenses under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) cancelled on April 3 by the Government which once again brings the spotlight on the contentious issue of foreign funding regulations. Among the affected organizations are notable entities such as the CNI Synodical Board of Social Service, Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Indo Global Social Service Society, Church Auxiliary for Social Action, and Evangelical Fellowship of India. The recent de-licensing adds to the growing list of NGOs that have faced similar actions in recent years, totalling nearly 20,000 organizations. While some NGOs have managed to have their licenses renewed, the majority have been barred from receiving foreign funding under FCRA regulations. As early as 2020, the ‘proactive de-licensing’ was on overdrive with over 6,000 NGOs being affected over issues such as alleged violations of norms and inadequate documentation of overseas donations. Side by side, some 760 NGOs with links to the ruling party were issued permits to carry out various works particularly during the Covid pandemic. All these entities come under the umbrella of the Rashtriya Sewa Bharati (RSB), which is a registered trust, and works in the fields of education, health and “self-reliance,” according to its website. The RSB’s NGOs are among the 94,662 NGOs which are working as “Covid warriors” with district administrations across the country and entitled to funds from the State Disaster Relief Fund, or SDRF- set up under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. As of 2014, the RSB’s roster included 57,000 social and economic projects which were being executed by at least 928 NGOs registered under its domain. However, the RSB’s own five-yearly report, last published in 2014, has a section by Bhaiyyaji Joshi, the RSS’s ‘Sarkaryawah’, or second in command who wrote that these sewa bharati units “are independent but being supported and inspired by RSS.” The cancellation of FCRA licenses raises concerns about the impact on the affected NGOs’ ability to carry out their charitable and developmental work effectively. It also underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between government oversight and the autonomy of civil society organizations. The issue of FCRA and the crackdown on NGOs warrants careful examination, and it is essential that the matter be brought before the courts for impartial adjudication. Justice must not only be served to the affected NGOs but also to the people who rely on their services for assistance and support. It is imperative that the legal process ensures fairness and transparency, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved. Ultimately, the well-being of communities and the effective functioning of civil society organizations should be prioritized, and any regulatory actions should be guided by principles of accountability, equity, and the rule of law.