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NGO Consultant
Odisha NGO Consultancy Services
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
India's curbs on foreign funds do not conform to international law, says UN representative
The government had revoked the licenses of nearly 14,000 NGOs for violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
A United Nations Special Rapporteur has said that India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which regulates foreign funding to certain individuals, associations and companies, does not conform to international law, principles and standards.
Enacted in 2010, the FCRA bars “organisations of a political nature” from accepting foreign contributions, which may further be prohibited when the government “is satisfied that the acceptance of foreign contribution… is likely to accept prejudicially… public interest”.
The law has come under scrutiny since the Modi government came to power in 2014, with a crackdown on Non-Governmental Organisations resulting in nearly 14,000 of them having their licenses to receive foreign funding revoked. Prominent among these NGOs include Greenpeace India and Ford Foundation.
Maina Kiai, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, published a legal analysis on the legislation which was submitted to the Union government on April 20.
According to the Special Rapporteur, India’s limitations on access to foreign funding do not meet “the stringent test for allowable restrictions” under international law. He said that FCRA fails all three prongs of the test, which requires that the restrictions be prescribed by law, imposed solely to protect national security or public safety, public order, public health or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others, apart from being “necessary in a democratic society”.
The FCRA, Kiai further argues, does not provide the required precision for clarity and notice. While the Act lists examples of groups that could be defined as having a “political nature”, it does not provide further definitions or examples for the terms “political objectives,” “political activities,” or “political interests.”
“This appears to give the government broad discretionary powers that could be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner,” the Special Rapporteur said.
The Special Rapporteur also noted that a total ban on access to foreign funding for organisations found to be of a “political nature” or acting against economic or national interest is likely to disproportionately impact certain groups, including those engaged in critical human rights work.
Source: http://scroll.in/article/807273/indias-curbs-on-foreign-funds-do-not-conform-to-international-law-says-un-representative
A United Nations Special Rapporteur has said that India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which regulates foreign funding to certain individuals, associations and companies, does not conform to international law, principles and standards.
Enacted in 2010, the FCRA bars “organisations of a political nature” from accepting foreign contributions, which may further be prohibited when the government “is satisfied that the acceptance of foreign contribution… is likely to accept prejudicially… public interest”.
The law has come under scrutiny since the Modi government came to power in 2014, with a crackdown on Non-Governmental Organisations resulting in nearly 14,000 of them having their licenses to receive foreign funding revoked. Prominent among these NGOs include Greenpeace India and Ford Foundation.
Maina Kiai, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, published a legal analysis on the legislation which was submitted to the Union government on April 20.
According to the Special Rapporteur, India’s limitations on access to foreign funding do not meet “the stringent test for allowable restrictions” under international law. He said that FCRA fails all three prongs of the test, which requires that the restrictions be prescribed by law, imposed solely to protect national security or public safety, public order, public health or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others, apart from being “necessary in a democratic society”.
The FCRA, Kiai further argues, does not provide the required precision for clarity and notice. While the Act lists examples of groups that could be defined as having a “political nature”, it does not provide further definitions or examples for the terms “political objectives,” “political activities,” or “political interests.”
“This appears to give the government broad discretionary powers that could be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner,” the Special Rapporteur said.
The Special Rapporteur also noted that a total ban on access to foreign funding for organisations found to be of a “political nature” or acting against economic or national interest is likely to disproportionately impact certain groups, including those engaged in critical human rights work.
Source: http://scroll.in/article/807273/indias-curbs-on-foreign-funds-do-not-conform-to-international-law-says-un-representative
India’s FCRA does not conform to international standards: UN Special Reporter
The restriction may prove detrimental to the advocacy group engaged in critical human rights work, government accountability and those representing vulnerable and minority populations or views
United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai has published a legal analysis arguing that India’s Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) – which regulates foreign funding to individuals, associations and companies – does not conform to international law and standards.
The law has come under scrutiny after the licenses of nearly 14,000 non-government organisations for receiving foreign funds were revoked by the government of India.
The analysis states that access to foreign funding is well within rights under international law. It urges Indian government to approve accreditation to the organisations under FCRA whose licenses were revoked. The analysis has been submitted to the government of India on April 20.
The Special Rapporteurs (SR) is part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council of UN. The experts are not UN staff but work on a voluntary basis. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
The SR argues that the ability of civil society organisations to access resources, including foreign funding, is a fundamental part of the right to freedom of association under international law, standards, and principles – and more particularly part of the right to form an association.
Kiai further states that India’s criteria to block foreign funding does not meet International law.
“This test requires that restrictions be (1) prescribed by law; (2) imposed solely to protect national security or public safety, public order, public health or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others; and (3) “necessary in a democratic society.” The FCRA fails on all three prongs of the test,” states the press release.
In point to point rebuttal, Kiai states that FCRA required clarity and precision. It provides vague terms which can be easily manipulated.
FCRA lists examples of groups that could be defined as having a “political nature,” but does not provide further definitions or examples for the terms “political objectives,” “political activities,” or “political interests.” “This appears to give the government broad discretionary powers that could be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner,” the Special Rapporteur writes.
“The definition of ‘political nature’ in the FCRA appears to be overly broad and could encompass almost all potential activities of an organisation, including those that are allowed and even encouraged by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to exist, such as promoting knowledge of basic rights and participation in government.”
“The Human Rights Committee has found that when a State invokes national security and protection of public order as a reason to restrict the right to freedom of association, the State party must prove the precise nature of the threat,” Kiai writes. It is not enough for the State to generally refer to the security situation in the specific area, he adds.
Finally, the SR notes that a total ban on access to foreign funding for organisations found to be of a “political nature” likely to disproportionately impact certain groups. Among these groups, he writes, are those engaged in critical human rights work, those which address issues of government accountability and good governance, and those which represent vulnerable and minority populations or views.
Source: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/india-s-fcra-does-not-conform-to-international-standards-un-special-rapporteur-53743
United Nations Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai has published a legal analysis arguing that India’s Foreign Contributions Regulation Act (FCRA) – which regulates foreign funding to individuals, associations and companies – does not conform to international law and standards.
The law has come under scrutiny after the licenses of nearly 14,000 non-government organisations for receiving foreign funds were revoked by the government of India.
The analysis states that access to foreign funding is well within rights under international law. It urges Indian government to approve accreditation to the organisations under FCRA whose licenses were revoked. The analysis has been submitted to the government of India on April 20.
The Special Rapporteurs (SR) is part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council of UN. The experts are not UN staff but work on a voluntary basis. They are independent from any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.
The SR argues that the ability of civil society organisations to access resources, including foreign funding, is a fundamental part of the right to freedom of association under international law, standards, and principles – and more particularly part of the right to form an association.
Kiai further states that India’s criteria to block foreign funding does not meet International law.
“This test requires that restrictions be (1) prescribed by law; (2) imposed solely to protect national security or public safety, public order, public health or morals, or the rights and freedoms of others; and (3) “necessary in a democratic society.” The FCRA fails on all three prongs of the test,” states the press release.
In point to point rebuttal, Kiai states that FCRA required clarity and precision. It provides vague terms which can be easily manipulated.
FCRA lists examples of groups that could be defined as having a “political nature,” but does not provide further definitions or examples for the terms “political objectives,” “political activities,” or “political interests.” “This appears to give the government broad discretionary powers that could be applied in an arbitrary and capricious manner,” the Special Rapporteur writes.
“The definition of ‘political nature’ in the FCRA appears to be overly broad and could encompass almost all potential activities of an organisation, including those that are allowed and even encouraged by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to exist, such as promoting knowledge of basic rights and participation in government.”
“The Human Rights Committee has found that when a State invokes national security and protection of public order as a reason to restrict the right to freedom of association, the State party must prove the precise nature of the threat,” Kiai writes. It is not enough for the State to generally refer to the security situation in the specific area, he adds.
Finally, the SR notes that a total ban on access to foreign funding for organisations found to be of a “political nature” likely to disproportionately impact certain groups. Among these groups, he writes, are those engaged in critical human rights work, those which address issues of government accountability and good governance, and those which represent vulnerable and minority populations or views.
Source: http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/india-s-fcra-does-not-conform-to-international-standards-un-special-rapporteur-53743
Banks have to report foreign contribution to NGO's within 48 hours
NEW DELHI: Banks will have to report to the central government within two days any information on NGOs getting foreign funds, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"As per Foreign Contribution ( Regulation) Amendment Rules 2015 notified in Gazette ofIndia on December 14, 2015, the banks shall report to the central government within 48 hours any transaction in respect of receipt and utilisation of any foreign contribution by any person," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in reply to a written question.
The order is applicable irrespective of whether or not such person is registered or granted permission under the FCRA.
The Minister said it has been decided to bring all FCRA designated bank accounts and utilisation accounts held by the NGOs granted registration or prior permission on the online platform of Public Finance Management Service for accessing these accounts for random scrutiny.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/banks-have-to-report-foreign-contribution-to-ngos-within-48-hours/articleshow/52009963.cms
"As per Foreign Contribution ( Regulation) Amendment Rules 2015 notified in Gazette ofIndia on December 14, 2015, the banks shall report to the central government within 48 hours any transaction in respect of receipt and utilisation of any foreign contribution by any person," Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in reply to a written question.
The order is applicable irrespective of whether or not such person is registered or granted permission under the FCRA.
The Minister said it has been decided to bring all FCRA designated bank accounts and utilisation accounts held by the NGOs granted registration or prior permission on the online platform of Public Finance Management Service for accessing these accounts for random scrutiny.
Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/banks-have-to-report-foreign-contribution-to-ngos-within-48-hours/articleshow/52009963.cms
Sunday, April 10, 2016
National CSO Consultation on NCDs in India: 1st announcement
In an effort to prevent and control non-communicable diseases in India, the global NCD Alliance convened a consultation of civil society organizations in July 2015. Following this, an Indian network called Healthy India Alliance has been announced.
The Healthy India Alliance invites you for the first National CSO Consultation on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India from 25th to 27th April, 2016
at PHD Chamber of Commerce, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi. Please read the details of the Healthy India Alliance National Consultation.
For additional details, please contact:
Prachi Kathuria
At: prachi@hriday-shan.org or call on +91-11 41031191.
The Healthy India Alliance invites you for the first National CSO Consultation on Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India from 25th to 27th April, 2016
at PHD Chamber of Commerce, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi. Please read the details of the Healthy India Alliance National Consultation.
invites Civil Society Organisations to participate
in the first National CSO Consultation
on
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India
from 25th to 27th April, 2016
at PHD Chamber of Commerce, August Kranti Marg, New Delhi.
Registration Fee: INR 2000 + service tax as applicable, per participant
For additional details, please contact Prachi Kathuria at prachi@hriday-shan.org
or call on +91-11 41031191
About HIA:
In July 2015, the global NCD Alliance founded by 4 international NGO federations and WHO South-East Asia Regional Office convened a Consultation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from the Region. The goal was to deliberate on priorities and strategies to advance NCD prevention and control in the Region and the role that CSOs can play in this sphere, especially with respect to the set of 10 national targets adopted by India under the National Action Plan to reduce premature NCD mortality by 25% by 2025. The Healthy India Alliance, comprising of organizations working on NCD issues in India, was formed as an outcome of this meeting.
HIA aims to expand NGO network to include interested organisations working in the health, development, environment and other allied sectors to ensure multi-sectoral partnerships and networking to promote health and development in India.
About the Event:
The first ‘National CSO Consultation on NCDs in India’ has been organized in New Delhi. In addition to plenary sessions and panel discussions, the National event will also include parallel capacity building workshops on advocacy, social media
For additional details, please contact:
Prachi Kathuria
At: prachi@hriday-shan.org or call on +91-11 41031191.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Skill Enhancement Programme (SEP-2016) for the visually impaired boys and girls from all parts of the state of Odisha
NOTICE
Like each year, Milton Charitable Foundation for the Visually Handicapped, Ashoknagar 5th line Square, Berhampur, Ganjam is inviting applications for starting the Skill Enhancement Programme (SEP-2016) for the visually impaired boys and girls from all parts of the state of Odisha from 2nd May to 15th June. During the course, the participants will be imparted basic computer, personality development communication skills, mobility and other living skill. For this purpose, the interested visually impaired boys and girls who have completed class X and higher may contact to the foundation by 20th April 2016 for admission into the mentioned programme.
The contact numbers are: (0680) 2280433, 9861759703 Whatsapp No. 9338689961. Email – helpdesk@mcfvh.org , mcfvhodisha@gmail.com
Friday, April 8, 2016
Ngo Scheme of Financial Assistance to celebrate international day of yoga in all districts of India
Grant in Aid Application for INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATION – 2016 to Ngos in India
Organization: - Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy
(Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India)
Last Date To Apply: - 25thApril, 2016.
About the Department:-
The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) is an autonomous body under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy invites applications from Govt. Departments /Autonomous Bodies/ Universities/ NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations involved in Yoga and Naturopathy activities or Health related activities for conducting One Month Yoga Camp from 21.05.2016 to 20.06.2016 and to celebrate ‘International Day of Yoga’ by organising a relevant programme on 21st June, 2016 in each district of the country with financial assistance/ grant-in-aid on reimbursement basis up to a maximum of Rs.1.00 lakh only.
Eligibilities To Apply:-
Govt. Departments /Autonomous Bodies/ Universities/ NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations
Documents to be submitted with the application:
1. Copy of Registration Certificate
2. Annual Report for the last three years
3. Audited Statement of Accounts for the last three years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15)
4. Activities/programmes being conducted by the Organization at present
5. Infrastructural facilities and manpower available with the Organization to conduct camps and to celebrate ‘International Day of Yoga’.
6. Articles of Association, Bye-Laws.
7. Undertaking that it has not applied or/and will not receive any grant for the same purpose or activity from any other Ministry or Department of the Government of India or State Government.
8. ITR for the last three years.
Financial Support for Camp:
1, 00,000 Up to One Lakh
How to Apply for funding
The details along with application form can be obtained from the Office of the Director, CCRYN or can be downloaded from the websites www.ccryn.org or www.indianmedicine.nic.in then Send it to
The Director
Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy
61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058
Download Notification and Application here : http://www.ccryn.org/Sheme%20for%20all%20Districts%20of%20India.docx
The last date for submission of duly filled in applications is 25thApril, 2016.
Organization: - Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy
(Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India)
Last Date To Apply: - 25thApril, 2016.
About the Department:-
The Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy (CCRYN) is an autonomous body under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
Central Council for Research in Yoga & Naturopathy invites applications from Govt. Departments /Autonomous Bodies/ Universities/ NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations involved in Yoga and Naturopathy activities or Health related activities for conducting One Month Yoga Camp from 21.05.2016 to 20.06.2016 and to celebrate ‘International Day of Yoga’ by organising a relevant programme on 21st June, 2016 in each district of the country with financial assistance/ grant-in-aid on reimbursement basis up to a maximum of Rs.1.00 lakh only.
Eligibilities To Apply:-
Govt. Departments /Autonomous Bodies/ Universities/ NGOs/ Voluntary Organisations
Documents to be submitted with the application:
1. Copy of Registration Certificate
2. Annual Report for the last three years
3. Audited Statement of Accounts for the last three years (2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15)
4. Activities/programmes being conducted by the Organization at present
5. Infrastructural facilities and manpower available with the Organization to conduct camps and to celebrate ‘International Day of Yoga’.
6. Articles of Association, Bye-Laws.
7. Undertaking that it has not applied or/and will not receive any grant for the same purpose or activity from any other Ministry or Department of the Government of India or State Government.
8. ITR for the last three years.
Financial Support for Camp:
1, 00,000 Up to One Lakh
How to Apply for funding
The details along with application form can be obtained from the Office of the Director, CCRYN or can be downloaded from the websites www.ccryn.org or www.indianmedicine.nic.in then Send it to
The Director
Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy
61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110058
Download Notification and Application here : http://www.ccryn.org/Sheme%20for%20all%20Districts%20of%20India.docx
The last date for submission of duly filled in applications is 25thApril, 2016.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Career Information Portal
Dear all,
Kindly visit Odisha Career Service Blog for all your needs related to careers at: http://odishacareerservice.blogspot.in
Thank You
Kindly visit Odisha Career Service Blog for all your needs related to careers at: http://odishacareerservice.blogspot.in
Thank You
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
USAID/India seeking applications from NGOs for India Partnerships Program
Deadline: 30 March 2017
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a call for proposals from qualified NGOs (and also for-profit and governmental organizations) to apply for the India Partnerships Program (IPP) under the Annual Program Statement (APS).
The IPP supports testing, adoption and scaling of creative or innovative solutions to meet development challenges in the areas of health, food security, clean energy, gender equality, female empowerment, maternal and child health, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, affordable health care, water and sanitation access, early grade reading, promotion of clean and renewable energy, forestry, food security, triangular cooperation, gender and financial inclusion.
USAID/India is interested in providing financial or non-financial support to partners to realize concepts and ideas that hold promise in the focus areas.
The purpose of this APS is to announce the competitive process and solicit Concept Paper applications from the private and public sectors for engaging with USAID/India under the IPP. The goals of the IPP are to identify and partner with organizations and institutions who bring innovative ideas and resources of at least a 1:1 match to address jointly defined development challenges. Matching resources may include money, technologies, experience, expertise or other assets that Applicants can demonstrate as beneficial to tackling and resolving a development challenge.
Partnerships developed under this APS should contribute to achieving one or more of USAID/India’s core Development Objectives. USAID/India’s programming focuses on eight key areas. The largest of these is health, where USAID/India focuses on improving maternal and child health; behavior change communication; diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; health care finance, and access to clean water and sanitation in major cities. Improving early grade reading, increasing access to clean energy, improving food security, financial inclusion and advancing gender equality and female empowerment are also key areas. USAID/India’s Development Objectives are designed jointly with the Government of India (GOI) and advance GOI priority development initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat, Campaign to end TB, and increased use of renewable energy technologies.
For more information, visit grants.gov.
For information in India please visit:
https://www.usaid.gov/india/work-with-us/partnership-opportunities
https://www.usaid.gov/india
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a call for proposals from qualified NGOs (and also for-profit and governmental organizations) to apply for the India Partnerships Program (IPP) under the Annual Program Statement (APS).
The IPP supports testing, adoption and scaling of creative or innovative solutions to meet development challenges in the areas of health, food security, clean energy, gender equality, female empowerment, maternal and child health, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, affordable health care, water and sanitation access, early grade reading, promotion of clean and renewable energy, forestry, food security, triangular cooperation, gender and financial inclusion.
USAID/India is interested in providing financial or non-financial support to partners to realize concepts and ideas that hold promise in the focus areas.
The purpose of this APS is to announce the competitive process and solicit Concept Paper applications from the private and public sectors for engaging with USAID/India under the IPP. The goals of the IPP are to identify and partner with organizations and institutions who bring innovative ideas and resources of at least a 1:1 match to address jointly defined development challenges. Matching resources may include money, technologies, experience, expertise or other assets that Applicants can demonstrate as beneficial to tackling and resolving a development challenge.
Partnerships developed under this APS should contribute to achieving one or more of USAID/India’s core Development Objectives. USAID/India’s programming focuses on eight key areas. The largest of these is health, where USAID/India focuses on improving maternal and child health; behavior change communication; diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis; health care finance, and access to clean water and sanitation in major cities. Improving early grade reading, increasing access to clean energy, improving food security, financial inclusion and advancing gender equality and female empowerment are also key areas. USAID/India’s Development Objectives are designed jointly with the Government of India (GOI) and advance GOI priority development initiatives like Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat, Campaign to end TB, and increased use of renewable energy technologies.
For more information, visit grants.gov.
For information in India please visit:
https://www.usaid.gov/india/work-with-us/partnership-opportunities
https://www.usaid.gov/india
Friday, April 1, 2016
Validity of FCRA Registration Extended
Last date for filing renewal application has already been extended to 30-Jun-15. Now the Department has made another announcement. This applies to NGOs whose FCRA registration expires on or before 30-Sep-16.
In all such cases, the registration will remain valid till 31-Oct-16. If they want to get their FCRA renewed, they should file the renewal application by 30-Jun-16 in form FC-3 online.
Source: FCRA notice dated 29-Mar-16. Available FCRAonline.nic.in
In all such cases, the registration will remain valid till 31-Oct-16. If they want to get their FCRA renewed, they should file the renewal application by 30-Jun-16 in form FC-3 online.
Source: FCRA notice dated 29-Mar-16. Available FCRAonline.nic.in
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