Two officials detained for seeking bribe from NGO for FCRA registration

Two government officials were on Monday (September 28, 2026) detained by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police based on specific information received by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about alleged corruption in the processing of registrations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive funds from outside India.

The arrests were made in coordination with central agencies, according to an MHA statement. Two officials, one serving as chief accountant and the other as accountant, are accused of approaching the association and seeking illegal gratification in exchange for facilitating its pending FCRA registration.

One of the accused is currently lodged in the MHA’s foreign affairs department, which deals with FCRA-related matters. The second officer is currently posted in the Payroll and Accounts Department, but previously served in the Foreigners Department.

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the two officials were allegedly in touch with various associations and offered help in securing FCRA registrations and their renewals in return for illegal payments. Investigators are examining the scope of their activity and whether other subjects could have participated in it.

Further investigation is underway and appropriate legal and professional action has been initiated against the accused officials, MHA said.

The ministry reiterated its anti-corruption stance and said it maintains a “zero tolerance” policy towards corrupt practices. He also emphasized that all FCRA related services are provided online through the designated FCRA portal and warned non-profit organizations against dealing with intermediaries.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs has zero tolerance for corruption,” the statement said, adding that no intermediary, agent or individual is authorized to broker any FCRA-related service.

The MHA has urged organizations applying for registration or renewal under FCRA to use only the official online portal and avoid dealing with unauthorized persons who claim to influence or expedite the process.

Published – 29 Sep 2026 14:59 IST