THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA’S Ministry of Home Affairs has confirmed that Oxfam India’s registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) has not been renewed.
This means that Oxfam India will not be able to receive foreign funds for any of its work in India from 1 January 2022.
In reaction to the Government of India’s decision, Amitab Behar, CEO of Oxfam India said: “The restriction will severely affect our ongoing crucial humanitarian and social work in 16 states across the country. This includes setting up oxygen plants, providing lifesaving medical and diagnostic equipment such as oxygen cylinders and ventilators, and delivering lifesaving food to the most vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Oxfam India has been working in public interest with the government, communities and frontline workers in the country for decades now. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Oxfam India joined hands with health departments, district administrations, and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activsts) workers across the nation to provide life-saving equipment and support.
“We are also working with various state governments to ensure bridging of the learning gap in school education due to Covid-19. We have worked to enhance women’s livelihood and worked with forest dwellers to ensure that they are not denied their rights. We have worked in some of the most flood-prone districts to make communities resilient and provide a lasting solution. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decision to deny renewal of FCRA registration will severely hamper these collaborations which were providing relief to those who needed it the most during times of crisis,
“Over the years, our work has always been in the public interest and guided by the principle of creating lasting solutions to address the injustice of poverty, to leave no one behind and to end discrimination and create a free and just society. The MHA’s refusal to renew Oxfam India’s FCRA registration will not reduce Oxfam India’s commitment to serve the vulnerable communities in-country and uphold values enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Oxfam India will reach out to the MHA and will urge them to lift the funding restrictions to ensure vulnerable communities keep receiving the support they need at this critical time of the pandemic,”
Oxfam has been working in India since 1951, and Oxfam India became a fully Indian organisation in 2008. with prominent citizens of India as its board members.
* Source: Oxfam International