CBI To Probe Oxfam India’s Foreign Funding Of Rs 1.5 Crore

New Delhi: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be investigating Rs 1.5 crore of foreign funding received by Oxfam India between 2013 and 2016.

According to the central probe agency, the foreign funding was in violation of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) rules.

Oxfam India routed funds of its foreign affiliates, such as Oxfam Australia, Oxfam Great Britain, to selected NGOs in India, and also exercised control over funds and projects.

CBI also claimed that for the renewal of its FCRA licence, Oxfam India was planning to pressurise the Indian government through foreign governments and organisations. An email communication has been recovered to establish the claim.

A fortnight ago, the Union Home ministry recommended a CBI probe into alleged violations of FCRA by the global non-profit organisation.

CBI booked Oxfam India and carried out searches at its office in Delhi on Wednesday, and reportedly recovered incriminating documents.

The Home ministry said in its complaint that though Oxfam India’s FCRA registration had ceased, it planned to circumvent the law by taking other routes to channelise funds.

Oxfam India, a part of the global confederation of Oxfam which works on issues like poverty, inequality, gender justice and climate change, has denied any wrongdoing and said it’s cooperating with the authorities.