The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a First Information Report against the non-governmental organisation Oxfam India and its office-bearers for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010. On Wednesday, searches were also carried out at the non-governmental organization’s office in Delhi.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) discovered incriminating evidence that Oxfam India was planning to exert pressure on the Indian government to renew the FCRA through foreign governments and institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. It also discovered an email allegedly revealing Oxfam India’s plans to use the European Union, US State Department, World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank, and other European institutions.
The FIR was filed on April 17, a few days after the home ministry recommended a CBI investigation into Oxfam India. Oxfam India is branch of the global non-profit Oxfam International in India. According to an MHA official, Oxfam India was registered under the FCRA, in 2010 for the purpose of carrying out social activities, and their registration was valid until December 31, 2021.
The MHA claimed in its April 5 complaint that, despite the fact that Oxfam India’s FCRA registration had expired, the organisation planned to avoid FCRA by routing funds through other channels.
Director, MHA (Foreigners-II Division), Jeetendar Chadha alleged, ““From the email found during an IT survey by the CBDT, it appears that Oxfam India is providing funds to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its associates/employees in the form of commission. The same is also reflected from the TDS data of the Oxfam India which shows payment of Rs 12,71,188 to the CPR in the financial year 2019-20 under section 1943. Oxfam India got FCRA registration to carry out Social activities. However, payment made to the (CPR) through its associates/employees in the form of commission (professional or technical services) is not in the line of its stated objectives. This is violation of section 8 and 12 (4) of the FCRA 2010.”
Jeetendar Chadha further said in his complaint, ““Email communication found during an IT survey by the CBDT shows that Oxfam India has been planning to pressurize the Indian government for renewal of FCRA through foreign governments and foreign institutions. Oxfam India has the reach and influence to request multilateral foreign organisations to intervene on its behalf with the Central government. This exposed Oxfam India as a probable instrument of foreign policy of foreign organisations/entities which have funded Oxfam India liberally over the years. This violates section 12/4)(1) of the FCRA, 2010,”
According to MHA, Oxfam India received foreign contributions totalling Rs 1.50 crore (approximately) directly into their FC utilisation account rather than in an FCRA designated bank account.
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