The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled the licence of prominent public policy think tank Centre for Policy Research that had been issued under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
"On 10th January 2024, CPR received a notice from the Ministry of Home Affairs cancelling its FCRA status. The basis of this decision is incomprehensible and disproportionate, and some of the reasons given challenge the very basis of the functioning of a research institution," CPR said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Initially, CPR's FCRA licence was suspended on 27 February 2023, for 180 days. Then, the suspension was extended for another 180 days.
"The actions have had a debilitating impact on the institution's ability to function by choking all sources of funding," CPR said in a statement.
The FCRA licence issued by the central government enables a person or organisation to receive foreign donations.
"The cancellation of our FCRA is distressing, for it is a cancellation that is disproportionate and without adequate opportunity to be heard. We will weigh our options to seek justice. We remain committed to our core goals and remain steadfast in our belief that this matter will be resolved in line with constitutional values and guarantees," CPR president Yamini Aiyar was quoted as saying by Economic Times.
In September 2022, the Income Tax Department had conducted 'surveys' at CPR as well as Oxfam India the Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF).
CPR had also moved the Delhi High Court over the suspension of its licence, which had allowed the think tank to access 25 percent of its funds in fixed deposits in order to pay salaries.
"During the tenure of our suspension, we sought and obtained interim redress from the honourable Delhi High Court and will continue to seek recourse in all avenues possible," CPR said.
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