Indian NGOs received Rs 40,000 crore in foreign grants

Foreign contribution of nearly Rs 40,000 crore has been received by 77,000 NGOs across the country in four years beginning 2005-06.

During financial year 2005-06, altogether 18,650 NGOs received Rs 7,889.12 crore, while 19,462 NGOs received Rs 11,111.12 crore in 2006-07, Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran confirmed in Rajya Sabha today.  Rs 9,723.96 crore was received by 19,247 NGOs in 2007-08 and Rs 10,837.49 crore was received by 20,499 NGOs in 2008-09.

Last week, citing financial irregularities and corruption, the government had barred 42 NGOs from receiving foreign grants while 36 NGOs have been kept under the ‘prior permission’ category. These NGOs will have to seek nod from the authorities before accepting any donation from abroad.