The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday conducted searches at the Delhi office of Oxfam India, following an FIR against against the organisation and its office-bearers, alleging violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
The FIR came days after the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended a CBI inquiry into alleged FCRA violations by the global non-profit organisation.
The complaint, now part of the FIR, said that Oxfam India got FCRA registration to carry out social activities but payment was made to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its associates or employees in the form of commission — professional or technical services — is not in the line with its stated objectives.
In response to the allegations Oxfam said they are “FULLY compliant with Indian laws and has filed all its statutory compliances, including Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) returns, in a timely manner since its inception.”
“Oxfam India has been cooperating with all government agencies since its FCRA registration wasn’t renewed in December 2021.”
“Oxfam India has the reach and influence to request multilateral foreign organisations to intervene on its behalf with the Government of India. This exposed Oxfam India as a probable instrument of foreign policy of foreign organisations/entities which have funded Oxfam India liberally over the years,” it said.
“This is a violation of section 8 & 12(4) of the FCRA 2010,” it alleged.
According to an MHA official, Oxfam India was registered under the FCRA, in 2010 for undertaking social activities and their registration was valid up to December 31, 2021. During this time, the MHA allegedly found several major violations following which they referred it to the CBI for legal action.
The Home Ministry also claims that even though Oxfam India’s FCRA registration had ended, it planned to circumvent the provisions by routing funds through other ways.
“From the email found during the IT survey by the CBDT [Central Board of Direct Taxes], it appears that Oxfam India is providing funds to the Centre for Policy Research [CPR] through its associates/employees in the form of commission,” said the Ministry.
“In times of growing inequality and greater need for action on poverty eradication, Oxfam India has been and will continue to work in PUBLIC AND NATIONAL interest. Oxfam India believes this is our constitutional duty as an organisation, irrespective of obstacles and hurdles in the path,” Oxfam said in a statement.
