New Delhi – A prevalent Kerala-based NGO linked to Sheikh Aboobacker Ahmed, a prominent Sunni Muslim leader, has come under the scanner after Home Ministry suspended its foreign funding.
The license has been temporarily suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after the ministry reportedly detected violations in the provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010(FCRA).
Markazul Ighasathil Kairiyathil Hindiyya is a top foreign-funded NGO based in Kozhikode, Kerala. The FCRA has barred Markazul from accepting donations from international sources until the suspension order is revoked.
The organization, however, can appeal against the suspension and the ministry will later decide on reviewing the suspension order or permanently canceling FCRA registration of the association after 180 days, which can be prolonged for another 180 days.
The suspension order received on 27th August 2021 states violations like diversion and multi-utilization of funds, failure in submitting annual FCRA returns report for 2019 – 2020 and misinterpretation of facts.
“Some clerical errors are cited as reasons for the suspension. We will clarify everything after a careful reading of the order.” a Times of India report quoted a senior functionary of the NGO as saying.
The same report also quoted a government official stating that an MHA questionnaire was sent to the organization on 5th April 2018 following an FCRA license suspension inquiry. The official also said that the questionnaire revealed that there were violations under sections 12(4) (a) (VI), 18, and 19 of the FCRA.
The NGO had withdrawn an amount of 50 lakhs from the foreign funds to purchase land. The money was returned on 13th January 2015 after the cancellation of the deal. The money was not deposited into the foreign fund's account and retained in the NGO office, the report added.
The organization claimed that the funds were distributed in an orphan care program. However, the records and inquiry conducted suggest that the money was distributed in 2014 between the months of July and December.
“Hence the amount of Rs 50 lakh received on account of canceled and deed is not accounted for and appears to have been diverted/ misutilized,” the order read.
The order also pinpoints the purchase of a vehicle in the name of an individual and not the organization which is a violation of Section 12(4) (a) (VI) of FCRA. The order further stated that the NGO had used foreign funds for the construction of a building. The construction took place on land taken on lease from Waqf Board by the Islamic Education Board of India. The Home Ministry said that this was a violation of Section 12(4) (a) (VI) as the organization created assets on the land it had no claims.
In the year 2019-20, the organization also failed to file its annual FCRA reports which is a violation of Section 18 of FCRA. TOI report also added that an official from Markazul said that the online window for filing annual returns closed before they could upload it on the site.
Markazul Ighasathil Kairiyathil Hindiyya was founded in the year 2020 by A P Aboobacker Musliyar. He is a prominent figure from Kerala and is referred to as the grand mufti of India by his followers. The organization has its presence in over 24 states and they run 233 schools.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Dharwad Corporation zonal offices raided after complaints of corruption in issuing land records
Hubballi: Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday conducted raids at multiple zonal offices of the Hubballi-Dharwad City Corporation following complaints alleging bribery and delay in issuing land-related documents, including e-Swathu records.
The raids were carried out in the morning under the leadership of Siddalingappa S.T.. Separate teams inspected 12 zonal offices of the Corporation and examined records linked to land ownership and document processing.
According to sources, the Lokayukta received complaints from members of the public alleging that Corporation officials were demanding bribes for issuing e-Swathu and other land documents.
Residents reportedly alleged that applications were being deliberately delayed if bribes were not paid.
Based on these complaints, officials carried out inspections of files and records connected to land ownership and issuance of documents.
Further investigation is underway.
