The Union Home Ministry canceled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) license of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR), a prominent public think tank, citing multiple violations of FCRA regulations. The ministry alleged that CPR, registered for "educational activities," utilized foreign funding for litigation activities and funded protests against development projects, including coal mines. Investigations revealed the diversion of foreign donations to non-FCRA entities to support legal battles and protests, violating FCRA guidelines.
"We certainly are disappointed that the application for the renewal has been refused. However, we are committed to the cause of women s empowerment and will continue doing so. We also work in partnership with the government for many of our programmes. We will consider appealing within the prescribed provisions and hope that it will be granted" said Pragya Mohanty, general secretary, YWCA-Delhi.