Union Home Ministry Cancels FCRA Licence Of Centre for Policy Research: Report (Image: X @CPR_India)

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in New Delhi. The Hindustan Times reported that the decision to cancel the institution”s FCRA licence was taken last week.

The Centre for Policy Research is a leading public policy research institution in the country since 1973. In February 2023, the Home Ministry suspended the FCRA licence of the Delhi-based institution. The central government made this move on the grounds of alleged irregularities in handling foreign donations. On that occasion, the licence of CPR was suspended for 180 days. Later, the suspension was extended for another 180 days.

In September 2022, the Income Tax Department conducted a search against the independent think tank as part of an investigation to look into the foreign funding. In March, the CPR submitted an application seeking the release of 25 percent of its funds for paying the salaries of employees. At the same time, the central government has alleged that the institution was receiving and using foreign contributions for “undesirable purposes” and for “purposes other than for which it was registered.” In October, the Delhi High Court permitted the institution to use 25 percent of the unutilized funds.

The CPR”s website describes itself as a non-profit, independent institution dedicated to conducting research that contributes to high-quality scholarship and better policies. They have also mentioned that they receive grants from various domestic and international sources, which include foundations, corporate philanthropy, governments, and multilateral agencies. The institution also receives grants from the Indian Council for Social Science Research (ICSSR). The think tank is led by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar”s daughter, Yamini Aiyar.