Centre serves notice to two NGOs run by Teesta Setalvad

The Centre has served notices to two NGOs run by social activist Teesta Setalvad and her husband for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). Sources said the notices were served by the Home Ministry two days ago following an on-site inspection of records and books of accounts carried out by the Ministry officials in April this year.

The Ministry has asked them to reply within 15 days. Sources said that during the probe it was found that a magazine run by their NGOs allegedly received foreign contribution. Under the FCRA, no foreign contribution can be accepted for journalistic and publication works. One of the NGOs had received foreign contribution of around Rs 1.18 crore from 2008-09 to 2013-14. According to the notice, more than 80 per cent of the funds was spent for legal aid while the NGO was registered for educational and economic purposes which is a violation of FCRA rules.