Date:25/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/25/stories/2005062502760100.htm

Back `Bill is aimed at decentralisation'

Our Bureau

New Delhi, June 24

NGOS and other associations receiving foreign contributions can look forward to a more decentralised administrative structure under the new legal framework being planned for the FCRA.

Mr Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister, said: "The Bill that we are planning to introduce provides for decentralisation. It may not be necessary for an applicant seeking registration to come to the Capital for this purpose. There would be regional offices."

He was speaking at a seminar on FCRA jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the ICAI.

Senior Home Ministry officials said that plans are afoot to establish five regional offices (for FCRA) to enable the proposed regime to become user-friendly.

When the offices are opened, a NGO or an association can get registered under the FCRA at the regional offices. A registration with the Union Home Ministry allows the associations/NGOs an open-ended permission for receiving and utilising foreign funds.