In a significant development, Sri Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, the Hon’ble Member of Parliament for Narasapuram Lok Sabha Constituency, has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Home Secretary urging action against the Tuticorin Diocesan Association and its ally NGO for alleged large-scale violation of FCRA rules and misuse of foreign funds.

In 2015, the Tuticorin Diocesan Association, registered under FCRA ID: 076030031, was suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Astonishingly, despite this suspension, recent revelations brought to light by the legal activist organisation, the Legal Rights Protection Forum (LRPF), indicate that the association continued to receive funds.

This disclosure emerges from information disclosed by the then Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.

Responding to an unstarred question posed in Parliament (Question No. 222) on February 25, 2015, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju disclosed that adverse reports from intelligence agencies prompted the suspension of FCRA registrations and the freezing of bank accounts for the Tuticorin Diocesan Association and two other NGOs, following thorough inspections and investigations.

About Diocesan Association

The Tuticorin Diocesan Association, a registered society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860, located at 82, Great Cotton Road, Catholic Bishops House, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu – 628001, is facing scrutiny. Operating under the NGO Darpan portal, its primary objectives, as detailed on the portal, include working for the welfare of children, differently-abled individuals, and the elderly. The association is involved in various social services, including operating homes for destitute children, specialised adoption agencies, homes for mentally challenged boys, rescue homes, educational institutions, and oversight of religious places.

Concerns Raised 

In November, The Commune reported substantial financial support from foreign sources the Tuticorin Diocesan Association received, despite the suspension or cancellation of its FCRA registration in 2015. NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan portal reveals that since 2015-2016, the association received ₹44,507,214 into its Bank of Baroda account designated for foreign funds.

A considerable portion of these foreign funds seems allocated for child welfare, orphanage maintenance, and construction despite the FCRA registration suspension. The Government of India had suspended/cancelled the FCRA registration due to concerns about NGOs using foreign funds for anti-national activities.

Serious Violations Uncovered

Receiving funds through the FCRA route after the license’s cancellation is deemed a serious violation. However, questions about utilising these funds arise, prompting calls for a comprehensive investigation by relevant authorities to uncover the true nature and implications of these activities.

This revelation raises concerns about the potential misuse of funds under the guise of child welfare, urging authorities to delve into the matter further to ensure transparency and accountability.