Government does away with paperwork in registration of NGOs

New Delhi: In a key digitisation initiative, government on Monday put the entire registration process of NGOs for receiving foreign funds online.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said all services offered under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 are made online, reducing human interface to minimum.

Singh, who launched the revamped website of the foreigners division of his Ministry, hoped the new initiative will offer applicants the seamless services of FCRA with adequate ease and facilitation.

Simultaneously, the amended rules (Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2015) are also being notified. All kinds of application forms can now be filled online, documents can be uploaded online and even payment of fee etc. can be made online.

All types of queries and replies to the applicants will be made through emails. Even digitally signed registration certificates, prior permission sanctions will be issued to the applicants through emails.

The main changes are: applications for registration, prior permission and renewal of registration under FCRA, 2010 will be accepted online, all documents with the application will be uploaded online, all intimations will be required under FCRA, 2010 including annual returns accepted online.

Fee for various services will be paid through payment gateway, the condition of applying for renewal one year before the expiry of existing registration certificate for associations implementing multi-year project is removed.

To make the receipt and utilisation of foreign contribution by association transparent, associations are required to place the annual returns and such data quarterly on their website or website as prescribed by the central government.

Information regarding Facebook page, Twitter handle of the office bearers of the associations is optional. Information regarding Facebook page, Twitter handle and other personal details of the office bearers of the donor organisation is also optional.