CBI Registers FIR Against Oxfam India and raids its Office for Foreign Funding Violation

New Delhi: The CBI filed FIR against Oxfam India for an alleged Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violation and searched its office in Delhi. Union Home Ministry had recommended a CBI probe into the affairs of the Indian unit of the global NGO Oxfam for alleged violation of the FCRA.

The complaint alleged that Oxfam India routed funds from its foreign affiliates such as Oxfam Australia and Oxfam Great Britain to certain NGOs and exercised control over the project.

Oxfam India is a part of the global confederation of Oxfam, which works on issues such as poverty, inequality, gender justice and climate change. The non-governmental organisation has denied any wrongdoing and said that it was cooperating with the authorities.

Oxfam India’s foreign funding was blocked when the home ministry refused to renew its FCRA licence in 2021. The licence was cancelled citing violation of foreign funding norms.

“Oxfam India has been cooperating with all government agencies since its FCRA registration wasn’t renewed in December 2021. We have filed a plea in the Delhi High Court against the decision to not renew our FCRA registration. The high court has asked the Union government to respond to our plea,” the NGO said.