FCRA order to NGOs for opening SBI account extended till Sept 2021

New Delhi, May 20 (KNN) In the wake of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the validity of the registration certificates issued to NGOs under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), which expired on September 29, 2020, till September 30, 2021.

"Keeping in view the exigencies arising out of the COVID-19 situation and to ensure a smooth transition to the amended FCRA regime, the central government, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 50 of the FCRA, 2010, has further decided that the registration certificates expiring or expired during the period between September 29, 2020 and September 30, 2021 shall remain valid up to September 30, 2021," an order from MHA said on Tuesday.

Another order issued by the ministry said the non-government organisations (NGOs) can open their FCRA accounts to receive foreign donations at the main branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) at Sansad Marg in Delhi till June 30.

''After that date they shall not be eligible to receive foreign contributions in any account other than the “FCRA Account”, the order added.

''All persons/NGOs/Associations who already have been granted a certificate of registration or prior permission by the Central Government, should note that they shall not receive any foreign contribution in any account other than the designated “FCRA Account” opened at the NDMB of the SBI, 11 Sansad Marg, New Delhi – 110001 from the date of opening of such account or 01.07.2021, whichever is earlier,'' the order said.