Donations from abroad for NGOs inTamil Naduhave dropped by 90%, pushing the state to fourth in the country in attracting funding under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). This has adversely impacted activities of many groups largely dependent on such contributions.
Data furnished by theUnion Home ministryin theRajya Sabha, a fortnight ago shows NGOs and associations in TN received more than Rs 2,000 crore for 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, second only to Delhi. This fell to Rs 219 crore in 2019-20. Data for 2019-20 was based on Annual Returns (ARs) filed on 16-03-2021, but an extension has been given till June this year.
As per media reports, between 2014 and 2019, FCRA registration of more than 14,800 NGOs across the country including several in Nadu was cancelled. In 2019 alone more than 1,800 NGOs and academic institutes found violating laws were banned from receiving foreign funds, a media report added. Several NGOs executing religious and social work came under the scanner after theCentretightened the screws.