CURRENT AFFAIRS AND EDITORIALS | 24 JANUARY 2024

MHA revokes Registration of Multiple NGOs under the FCRA

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus Reference: GS II (Government Policy)

Why In News

This month, the registrations of two major NGOs, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI), under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) have been canceled.

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleged CPR mishandled foreign donations, diverting them to support protests against development projects.

About FCRA

• The FCRA oversees foreign donations to safeguard internal security.
• Initially enacted in 1976, the FCRA underwent significant amendments in 2010 to enhance the regulation of foreign contributions.

• The law underwent further amendments in 2020, granting the government increased authority and scrutiny over the acceptance and utilization of foreign funds by non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

• It applies to associations, groups, and NGOs seeking to receive foreign donations.
• Mandatory registration for NGOs is valid for five years, with the option of renewal upon compliance with norms.
• Registered entities are permitted to receive foreign contributions for social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural purposes

FCRA 2022 Rules

• FCRA 2022 Rules, implemented in July, expanded compoundable offenses from 7 to 12.
• Notably, contributions below Rs 10 lakh from relatives abroad are now exempt from government intimation, up from the previous limit of Rs 1 lakh.

• The time limit for informing the government about the opening of bank accounts has been extended.

Enrollment under the FCRA

• NGOs in search of international funding are required to submit an online application using a designated format, accompanied by the required documentation. Entities or individuals focusing on cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social initiatives are eligible for FCRA registration.

• Upon receipt of the NGO's application, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducts background checks on the applicant through the Intelligence Bureau and processes the application accordingly. 
• The MHA is obligated to either approve or deny the application within 90 days.
• Once granted, FCRA registration remains valid for 5 years. NGOs are encouraged to initiate the renewal process within 6 months of the expiration date of their registration to ensure continuity of their eligibility for foreign funding.

Cancellation of Registration

The government holds the authority to revoke the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) registration of any NGO upon discovering a violation of the Act. Registration may be canceled under the following circumstances

Inactivity or Defunct Status

• The NGO has not actively participated in any meaningful activity within its chosen field for the benefit of society for two consecutive years.

Public Interest

• The Central Government, in its opinion, deems it necessary in the public interest to revoke the certificate.

Financial Irregularities

• An audit reveals irregularities in the NGO's finances, including the misutilization of foreign funds.

Right to be Heard

• No cancellation order can be issued without affording the concerned person or NGO a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

Ineligibility for Re-registration

• Once an NGO's registration is canceled, it is ineligible for re-registration for a period of 3 years.

Suspension and Freezing of Funds

• The ministry has the authority to suspend an NGO's registration for 180 days pending an investigation.

• Funds of the NGO can be frozen during this period.

About NGO's

World Bank Definition NGOs, as defined by the World Bank, are not-for-profit organizations engaged in activities such as alleviating suffering, promoting the interests of the poor, environmental protection, offering basic social services, or undertaking community development.
In the Indian context, the term NGO encompasses a diverse range of organizations, including non-governmental, quasi or semi-governmental, voluntary or non-voluntary entities, among others.  
NGO-DARPAN Platform
Interface Platform: NGO-DARPAN serves as an interface between NGOs and Central Ministries, Departments, and Government Bodies.
NITI Aayog Initiative Provided by the NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre, this free platform aims to enhance collaboration between the government and the voluntary sector. It strives to promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in its partnerships.  

Government amends Guidelines for Animal Trade and its Licensing

Source: DTE

Syllabus Reference: GS III (Conservation)

Why In News

In a government notification dated January 16, 2024, the authorities introduced updated guidelines for issuing licenses to stakeholders engaged in snake venom, captive animals, trophy animals, and stuffed animals under the Wild Life (Protection) Licensing (Additional Matters for Consideration) Rules.

The Wild Life Licensing Rules 2024

Schedule I

• In the rules published in 1983, it was stated that a license to trade in a wild animal listed in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, could only be granted with the prior consultation of the central government.

• However, the new guidelines have modified this condition, specifying that no license shall be granted if it pertains to any wild animal specified in Schedule I to the Act, except with the prior consultation of the Central Government.

• This means that restrictions on Schedule I species, including those requiring utmost protection such as tigers, elephants, rhinos, etc., remain intact, but with a provision for consultation.

Schedule II

The updated rules bring a big change: there are no more restrictions to get licenses for trading species in Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Now, you can get licenses for trading in these species without needing approval from the central government, which was necessary before

Concerns Regarding the New Rules

Exclusion of Schedule II Species

• The notification doesn't clearly explain why licensing restrictions for Schedule II species were removed. 

• Schedule II includes crucial species like endangered mammals, birds, turtles, geckos, and snakes. 

• The absence of these restrictions raises worries about how well these species will be protected. 

• The lack of clarity requires further investigation to ensure that the updated rules effectively address conservation needs and don't unintentionally jeopardize the safety of vulnerable wildlife.

Rationalization of Schedules in 2022

• The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 underwent a rationalization in The Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, leading to changes in species categorization. 

• Before the 2022 amendment, schedules were based on the endangerment level of species. The recent rationalization might have modified the criteria for classifying species. 

• Experts are questioning whether excluding certain species from Schedule II aligns with the rationalization process and whether these species have genuinely increased in numbers, justifying a lower level of protection.

Wildlife (Protection) Act. of 1972
The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 is an important law in India that safeguards wildlife and their homes. It stops the misuse of the country's diverse wildlife.
The act sorts plants and animals, sets protection levels, and lets the government keep watch.
India follows CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) because of this law.

Ministry of Education reveals New Guidelines for Coaching Centers

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus Reference: GS II ( Polity and Governance)

Why In News

The Ministry of Education has notified new guidelines for coaching centres across the country, which dictate that coaching centers are prohibited from admitting students below the age of 16. Additionally, they are barred from making misleading assurances or guaranteeing specific ranks or high marks.

Overview of Coaching Center Registration Guidelines

As per the guidelines, the term 'coaching center' refers to a facility established, operated, or managed by any individual to offer coaching for study programs, competitive examinations, or academic support to students at the school, college, and university levels, serving more than 50 students.

Registration Process

• Coaching centers must submit registration applications to the competent authority within their local jurisdiction. They must adhere to specified forms, fees, and document requirements outlined by the relevant government authority.

• It's important to note that if a coaching center operates multiple branches, each branch must register separately.

Marketing Standards

• Coaching centers are prohibited from making misleading promises or guarantees regarding ranks or marks to attract parents and students.

• Transparency is key, and coaching centers are required to maintain an updated website containing information on tutors' qualifications, courses, curriculum details, duration, hostel facilities, and fees.

Age Limits

• Coaching centers can't accept students under 16 years old. Enrollment is permitted only after finishing the secondary school exam.

Tutor Qualifications

• Tutors need at least a graduation qualification, and hiring individuals with convictions for moral wrongdoing is not allowed. Moral wrongdoing refers to actions against honesty and good societal morals.

Avoiding False Claims

• Coaching institutes are not allowed to make false promises, ensure specific ranks, or promise good grades.

Study Schedule

• Classes should not overlap with regular school hours to promote consistent attendance. Both students and tutors are entitled to mandatory weekly offs. Class sizes should be structured to maintain a balanced teacher-student ratio.

Student Wellbeing

• Coaching centers must establish a prompt intervention system to provide targeted and sustained assistance to students facing distressing situations.

• The competent authority may ensure the development of a counseling system by the coaching center, readily accessible to students and parents.

Complaint Resolution

• Students, parents, or coaching center tutors/employees have the right to file complaints, with coaching centers also able to file complaints against students/parents. The competent authority or an inquiry committee, established by the appropriate government, will resolve these complaints within thirty days.