Legal Right Protection Forum, an NGO watchdog has filed a complaint against an NGO named AMG India International located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh for using children for proselytization purposes.
In its complaint to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPC), it states that sensitive information like images, videos, date of birth, location, family and financial background of the minor destitute children taking shelter/studying at different homes/institutions run by AMG India International are appearing on the official websites of above foreign organizations which are funding the organization.
“Sharing the sensitive data of destitute minor children is a crime under section 74 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and section 228A of the Indian Penal Code.”, the complaint letter said.
There is a prohibition to disclose the identity of a child such as to its name, address, age, school name etc. under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 on any media platform so that the confidentiality of the child is maintained.
“The disclosure of such sensitive data of children on public platforms or the information being collected by the NGO makes the children vulnerable and susceptible to trafficking, abuse, cruelty, illegal adoption etc.”, the complaint read.
LRPF also found that the YouTube channel of AMG International (US) and Wort & TAT Allgemeinel Missions (Germany) that foreign representatives of said NGOs are frequently visiting the campus of the AMG India International in Andhra Pradesh and interacting closely with minor children.
The link to Youtube video has now been made private and the official website of AMG India International (www.amg.in) has reportedly been taken down so as to restrict the public from viewing it.
“It causes a serious security threat to the minor destitute children taking shelter at educational institutions and campuses run by AMG India International in Andhra Pradesh. Moreover, the said foreign representatives are involving religious activities backed by AMG India International which is a crime under section 14(b) of the Foreigners Act, 1946.”, the complaint noted.
The complaint letter added that from the Foreign Contribution (FC) returns submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, AMG India International is spending hundreds of crores of rupees out of Foreign Contribution for Christian religious activities such as religious events, running religious schools, payment to religious workers etc.
“We request your good office to make a thorough inquiry in this regard and take necessary strict action against AMG India International.” LRPF noted in its letter.
LRPF has also asked the NCPCR to recommend to the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the audit reports, activities and bye-laws of the AMG India International Society and cancellation of its FCRA License.
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