According to Home Ministry data released on February 10, 2020 New Life Fellowship Association (NLFA), Christian association along with other Christian groups were suspended from availing licence under Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). FCRA licence is mandatory for a NGO to receive foreign funds. In 2019, the Bajrang Dal had obstructed prayer meetings, organised by the New Life Fellowship Association (NLFA) in Mumbai, alleging that the meeting was a pretext for religious conversion. A complaint was also submitted to the police in this regard.
Licences of six non-government organisations (NGOs) were suspended under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) by the Union Home Ministry this year, including four Christian associations—Ecreosoculis North Western Gossner Evangelical in Jharkhand (founded in 1845); the Evangelical Churches Association (ECA, founded in 1952 in Manipur); Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church (founded in 1987 in Jharkhand), a part of a global communion of 148 churches in the Lutheran tradition, representing over 77 million Christians in 99 countries; and New Life Fellowship Association (NLFA, founded in 1964 in Mumbai) without specifying any reasons.
Two other organisations whose licences were suspended are the Rajnandgaon Leprosy Hospital and Clinics and the Don Bosco Tribal Development Society. Besides, two US-based Christian donors are also under the Ministry’s scanner for funding NGOs and groups in India.
Presently, there are about 22,457 registered NGOs or associations. The licences of 20,674 have been cancelled whereas 6,702 are deemed to have expired.
Courtesy: The Hindu