MHA notifies FCRA rules defining religious activities, tightens compliance

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, providing a detailed framework for permissible religious activities for organizations receiving foreign funding. The new rules explicitly prohibit proselytization while allowing activities like upkeep of places of worship, preservation of scriptures, and provision of pilgrim amenities. Additionally, compliance requirements have been tightened with a broader definition of "key functionary" and stricter declarations for operational scope and geographical areas.

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