Foreign-Funded NGOs Not Allowed to Publish News Content, Says MHA

Delhi, 28 May 2025: The Centre has stated that NGOs involved in publication-related activities and receiving foreign contributions will not be allowed to publish any newsletter and must obtain a certificate from the Registrar of Newspapers for India confirming they do not circulate any news content. NGOs seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must comply with these new rules, it added.

New Certification Requirement for Publication-Related NGOs

In a notification, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced amendments to the FCRA rules. NGOs seeking permission to receive foreign funding must submit an undertaking to adhere to the Good Practice Guidelines of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global watchdog against terror financing and money laundering.

The MHA stated such NGOs must enclose financial statements and audit reports for the last three financial years, including statements of assets and liabilities, receipts and payments accounts, and income and expenditure accounts.

If these audit reports and financial statements lack activity-wise expenditure details for the past three years, NGOs must submit a chartered accountant’s certificate specifying activity-wise amounts spent, reconciled with the income and expenditure and receipts and payments accounts.

If the NGO is involved in publication activities or such activities are among its aims and objectives in the Memorandum of Association or trust deed, the chief functionary must provide an undertaking confirming compliance with the FCRA, 2010.

The MHA added that if the NGO’s publication is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India, it must submit a "Not a Newspaper" certificate from the Registrar.

NGOs previously registered under the FCRA must submit an affidavit regarding receipt and utilisation of foreign contributions after expiry or cancellation of their registration certificate.

Stricter Financial Disclosure and Compliance Norms

If expenditure on aims and objects was less than Rs. 15 lakh in the last three financial years, an affidavit regarding inclusion of capital investments must be provided, the MHA said.

The government also requires NGOs seeking permission to receive foreign contributions to enclose a donor commitment letter matching the donation amount, a project report detailing proposed expenses from the foreign funds, and a declaration that administrative expenses will not exceed 20 per cent of the foreign contribution.

Mandatory Registration and Use of Foreign Contributions

All NGOs receiving foreign funds must register under the FCRA and use such funds solely for their intended purposes.

The government stated any association wishing to receive foreign contributions must have a defined cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programme.

The organisation must neither receive nor utilise any foreign contributions without prior permission or registration from the Centre, it added.

Courtesy: Economic Times