New Delhi: The central government has asked the CBI to investigate Oxfam India for alleged violation of the Foreign Funds Act. Sources said Oxfam India transferred foreign contributions to various entities even after the enactment of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020.
Under the Act, such transfers are prohibited. The amended Act came into force on September 29, 2020.
According to sources, a survey conducted by the Income Tax Department found many e-mails. It was learnt from them that Oxfam India was allegedly planning to circumvent the provisions of the FCRA by sending funds to other FCRA-registered organisations or through a beneficial consultation route.
The survey “exposed” Oxfam India as a potential tool of foreign policy of foreign organisations or entities. These institutions have been generously funding the organization for years.
Sources said Oxfam India, registered for social activities, reportedly sent funds to the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) through its colleagues and staff in the form of commissions. He said that following these findings, the Home Ministry has recommended a CBI inquiry into the functioning of Oxfam India.
This is also evident from Oxfam India’s TDS data. The data shows a payment of Rs 12,71,188 to the Centre for Policy Research in the 2019-20 financial year under Section 194J.