YWCA, 3 other NGOs lose FCRA licences





Several prominent non-governmental organizations, including the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Delhi, had their Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licenses revoked in May and June after scrutiny by the Union home ministry. CNI Shishu Sangopan Griha and Program for Social Action also lost their licenses.



The organizations received emails stating that they failed to submit the required documents on time, which indirectly questioned their work and served as a basis for denying their FCRA licenses. However, the organizations claim to have submitted the necessary paperwork within the deadline.



YWCA Delhi's balance sheet for 2020-21 stated that no foreign contributions were received during that period. CNI Shishu Sangopan Griha reported receiving Rs 27.8 lakh in foreign donations between March and September 2020. The Program for Social Action received grants and donations totaling Rs 3.22 crore for 2021-2022 through foreign contributions.



YWCA Delhi, established in 1912, operates shelter homes, hostels for women, and community development programs. They also support survivors of gender-based violence. The email to YWCA Delhi cited the denial of the FCRA license under Section 16(1) along with Section 12(4)(b).



The reasons cited imply that the organizations either failed to apply on time or were unable to demonstrate their usual domain of work. However, the organizations refute these reasons.



"We are disappointed to hear the news. We work in partnership with the government for our programs. Our work for women will continue. We are reviewing the papers and will appeal to the government. With our credibility, we hope to have our FCRA license renewed," said Pragya Mohan, YWCA-Delhi's general secretary.



YWCA Delhi collaborated with the National Institute of Disaster Management to organize an online training program for Child Centric Disaster Risk Reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic.



Aashima Subberwal, the general secretary of the Program for Social Action, expressed shock at the decision and hoped for a course correction. Xavier Dias, the president of the Program for Social Action, emphasized the organization's significant role in COVID relief efforts and supporting government hospitals.