The Ministry of Home Affairs cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registrations of two Christian organizations, New Hope Foundation in Tamil Nadu and Holy Spirit Ministries in Karnataka, citing alleged violations of the provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010. The decision formed part of the government’s ongoing scrutiny of organizations receiving foreign funding for charitable, religious, and social activities in India.
Both organizations were reported to have received substantial financial contributions from foreign donors, including entities associated with Gospel For Asia, an international evangelical organization. Gospel For Asia and its affiliated bodies have previously faced legal challenges and allegations in countries such as the United States and Canada regarding the handling and utilization of donated funds. While these allegations have generated significant public attention, legal proceedings and investigations have varied across jurisdictions.
Government records indicate that Holy Spirit Ministries received foreign contributions exceeding ₹49 crore between the financial years 2017 and 2020. During the same period, New Hope Foundation reportedly received more than ₹42 crore from overseas sources. The organizations submitted annual returns under FCRA regulations detailing these contributions and their utilization.
According to available records, Holy Spirit Ministries received funds from several international donors, including organizations based in the United States, Canada, and South Africa. Similarly, New Hope Foundation obtained financial support from multiple foreign entities located in the United States, Finland, and other countries. These contributions were intended for activities carried out by the organizations in India.
The action against the two NGOs followed earlier regulatory measures involving organizations associated with Gospel For Asia. In 2017, authorities cancelled the FCRA registration of Gospel For Asia’s Indian affiliates, including Believers Church, over alleged violations of foreign funding regulations. The latest decision reflects continued government oversight of organizations receiving overseas donations under the FCRA framework.
The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act is designed to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign funds by associations and non governmental organizations. Authorities maintain that compliance with the Act is necessary to ensure transparency, accountability, and lawful use of foreign contributions within India.