NGO Stats

Although there’s no centralised database on the number of NGOs in India, unofficial figures indicate that there are over 20 lakh NGOs registered under various Societies’ Registration Acts, Trust Act, etc.

The general policy of the government of India is not to encourage soliciting of foreign contribution. However, if funds are intended for bona fide welfare activities, foreign contribution can be received by NGOs by obtaining registration or prior permission from the central government. NGOs in the country have to register with the government for receiving foreign contributions as per the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).The total number of NGOs registered under FCRA is 43,527 .

Nearly half of the registered NGOs under FCRA – over 19,000 out of the 43,527 – do not file annual returns with the government  containing details of foreign receipts and utilisation. Read more of this post