MHA grants FCRA licence to CNI and USIN foundation
USIN Foundation, a think tank, and The Synodical Board of Social Services of The Church of North India (CNI) among others. While USIN was issued FCRA licence early this month, CNI's application was approved a few months earlier, said officials aware of the matter.
US India Strategic Partnership Forum-backed USIN Foundation has Ajay Banga, president, World Bank, and Indra Nooyi, former chairman, Pepsico, as its founding members. The FCRA licence has been granted for five years to each of the NGOs. USIN Foundation has been granted licences for economic activities whereas CNI can carry out activities under six different heads such as religious, cultural, economic, educational and social, added officials.
An email query sent to USIN Foundation and CNI Trust remained unanswered till press time.
CNI, an evangelical organisation, had its FCRA licence revoked last year for alleged violation of rules after which the trust was not able to receive or utilise foreign funding. Active since 1970, CNI came into existence through the merger of six different churches, including the Church of India (formerly known as the Church of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon). CNI's Synodical Board of Social Services runs initiatives such as women's fellowship for Christian services and Synodical Youth fellowship programme.
NGOs with FCRA licence are required to apply for renewal, but the deadline was extended from September 2020 when amendments to FCRA law were introduced. The extensions have been granted to NGOs till December 31, during
