A couple of weeks back Ministry of
Home Affairs had further extended the date for FCRA renewal to 30th
June 2016. However, they had not made it clear whether the validity
of FCRA registrations expiring on 30th
April 2016 would also stand extended.
Happily, Ministry
of Home Affairs, FCRA Wing, has issued Notice dated: 29th
March 2016 clarifying that registration certificate of all
the associations whose registration certificates are expiring on or
before 30th September, 2016 stand extended up to 31st
October, 2016.
Also, as notified earlier, the
due date for applying for renewal of registration has also been
extended up to 30th
June, 2016.
For those who are still confused … FCRA 1976 was
repealed and replaced by FCRA 2010 which came into effect on 1st
May 2011. FCRA 1976 did not require registered associations to apply
for renewal every 5 years, however, FCRA 2010 did. Thus, registration
of all associations which were registered before FCRA came into force
(i.e.: 1st May
2011) would cease after five years (i.e.: 30th
April 2016) unless renewed by due process.
Throughout the year 2015 there was panic and confusion
and many had filed the then renewal Form FC 5 as far back as in April
2015.
Around mid-December 2015, MHA introduced the Foreign
Contribution (Amendment) Rules 2015 which changed all the forms and
made all processes mandatorily online. These changes were initiated
with a view to streamline all procedures and eliminate human
interface. Frankly, we feel MHA has done well. Their website is very
user-friendly and the information provided is exhaustive yet simple
to understand.
All associations who have already applied for renewal in
Form FC 3 need not worry if they do not receive their FCRA renewal
before 1st May
2016. The validity of all FCRA registrations
now stand extended up to 31st
October 2016.
Also, all associations whose registration
certificates are expiring on or before 30th
September, 2016 can apply for renewal up to 30th June, 2016.
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