Bageshwar Dham, a religious body, receives FCRA registration to accept foreign funds
The Union Home Ministry has granted Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration to Baba Bageshwar Dham, a religious body led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, a Madhya Pradesh-based godman. This registration allows the organization, which advocates for a 'Hindu Rashtra', to receive foreign donations for social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural programs. The article notes that six of 38 NGOs granted FCRA registration until Wednesday were in the 'Religious (Hindu)' category. FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs receiving foreign funds and is valid for five years. The government had proposed amendments to the FCRA Act in the Budget session, but discussion was deferred due to opposition.
Key Points
- Baba Bageshwar Dham, led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, has received FCRA registration from the Union Home Ministry.
- This registration enables the religious body to accept foreign contributions for various programs.
- FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs and associations receiving foreign donations and is valid for five years.
- The government's proposed amendments to the FCRA Act were deferred due to opposition.
Exam Facts
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) governs foreign donations to NGOs.
- Baba Bageshwar Dham is led by Dhirendra Krishna Shastri.
- As of April 15, there are 14,538 FCRA-registered NGOs active in the country.
- The government proposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
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