FCRA License of Teesta’s ‘Sabrang Trust’ suspended for 180 Days

In a fresh crackdown on social activist Teesta Setalvad, the centre has suspended the registration of her NGO, ‘Sabrang Trust’ for 180 days for alleged violation of Foreign Currency (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The suspension comes into force from September 10.

Teesta’s NGO had received a total donation of Rs 48.42 lakh in 2010-11 and Rs. 49.10 lakh in 2011-12. However, it spent Rs 30.97 lakh and Rs 27.07 lakh during those two years. In 2010-11, the NGO spent 64.23% of the total money, while in 2011-12, it spent 55.14% of the total funds received.

Under the Section 8 (1)(b) of FCRA, any NGO that exceeds the 50% limit on administrative expenses, will have to seek approval from the Union Home Ministry, but Teesta violated that Act by not doing so. The Sabrang Trust will have to make a representation against the order within 30 days. If its reply does not satisfy the government, the registration may be cancelled.

Another NGO ‘Citizens for Justice and Peace’ run by Setalvad and her husband Javed Anand, has already been put under prior permission category.