According to sources, the Central Bureau of Investigation conducted searches at Oxfam India’s office in Delhi and has charged the organisation along with others for allegedly violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The FIR was filed a few days after the Union Home Ministry suggested that the CBI look into the activities of Oxfam’s Indian branch as a result of alleged FCRA violations.
Even though Oxfam India’s FCRA registration expired, the home ministry’s complaint, which is now a part of the FIR, claimed that the organisation still intended to break the law by finding alternative ways to channel money.
“Email communication found during IT (income tax) survey by the CBDT shows that Oxfam India has been planning to pressure Indian government for renewal of FCRA through foreign governments and foreign institutions,” it was said.
According to the complaint, Oxfam India controlled the project and directed cash from its international affiliates, including Oxfam Australia and Oxfam Great Britain, to specific NGOs.
“According to the email discovered during the CBDT’s IT audit, Oxfam India appears to be giving money to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in the form of commission through its colleagues and staff. The same is evident from Oxfam India’s TDS data, which shows a payment of Rs. 12.71 lakh to CPR in the F.Y. 2019–20, according to the lawsuit.
The global Oxfam organisation, of which Oxfam India is a member, strives to address issues like poverty, inequality, gender justice, and climate change. The non-governmental group has said it is cooperating with the authorities and has denied any misconduct.
Following the Home Ministry’s recommendation for an investigation, Oxfam India released a statement claiming that it has always complied fully with all applicable regulations, including the FCRA, and that it has never missed a deadline.
Since its FCRA registration was not renewed in December 2021, Oxfam India has cooperated with all government agencies. We have appealed the decision not to renew our FCRA registration to the Delhi High Court. The Union government has been directed by the high court to respond to our petition, according to the NGO.
When the home ministry declined to renew its FCRA registration in 2021, Oxfam India was unable to receive any international money. The permit was revoked due to a violation of the rules on foreign funding.
