Centre cancels FCRA registration of NGO named Centre for Financial Accountability
New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Centre for Financial Accountability (CFA), an NGO that monitors and critically analyses the role of financial institutions and their impact on development, human rights, and the environment.
In a recent report, CFA highlighted the environmental hazards and increased health risks associated with additional projects sanctioned in a Special Economic Zone operated by the Adani Group in the Kutch region of Gujarat. The report warned of further environmental pollution and ecological degradation in the area.
Joe Athialy, Executive Director of CFA, told The Hindu that they had not yet received official orders cancelling the FCRA registration of CACIM (India Institute for Critical Action Centre in Movement), CFA's parent entity, but were informed online. Athialy suggested that the stated reason for the cancellation—incorrect financial filings for 2018 and 2019—was a pretext to suppress their critical work.
“We have been told that the cancellation is due to incorrect filings [of returns] for financial years 2018 and 2019. This may be just an excuse, as they had all the years to ask us to rectify the mistakes. We certainly believe that the work we did has contributed to this action,” Athialy said.
Athialy added that the government appears intent on silencing organizations critical of its actions but emphasized that CFA would continue its work through innovative methods, including domestic donations.
Earlier in January, the MHA cancelled the FCRA registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), a prominent public policy research institution in New Delhi. Since 2015, more than 16,000 NGOs have had their FCRA registrations cancelled for various violations. As of Wednesday, there were 15,946 active FCRA-registered NGOs in India. The registrations of nearly 6,000 NGOs ceased to operate from January 1, 2022, due to non-renewal or refusal by the MHA.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
