New Delhi, March 23: Shriram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi is among 160 associations across India that have received the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) certificate in 2025, enabling them to legally accept foreign funding. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved these applications after a thorough review under the FCRA, which regulates foreign contributions for NGOs, educational institutions, and other organizations.

According to official data, Maharashtra leads with 25 associations receiving certification, followed by Tamil Nadu (21), Delhi (13), Karnataka (13), and Telangana (12). Other states with significant approvals include Gujarat (11), West Bengal (8), and Uttar Pradesh (7). Additionally, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Rajasthan each had five associations approved.

Prominent institutions like SRCC receiving FCRA certification highlight their expanding international collaborations and efforts to secure foreign funding for academic research, infrastructure, and scholarships. The certificate remains valid for five years, subject to compliance with regulations and proper utilization of funds.

Among the 13 Delhi-based associations granted the FCRA certificate are His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust, Buddha Ashram Sakya Heritage Society, Sambhavna Trust, Vyomini Social Foundation, CEQUIN, Asha Deep Foundation, Navjyoti India Foundation, and The Inclen Trust International.

The Dalai Lama Charitable Trust, registered under the Indian Income Tax Act, was founded in 1964 and later relocated its administrative office to Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The trust focuses on religious, cultural, educational, and social welfare initiatives.

Apart from Delhi-based organizations, 147 other associations across India, spanning social, cultural, educational, religious, and economic sectors, have also received FCRA certification. Notable recipients include Kodaikanal International School (Tamil Nadu), Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul (Hyderabad), Sri Annamalaiyar Unnamulainayagi Trust (Tamil Nadu), Bodh Gaya-based Thamboon Bodhi Foundation (Bihar), Millat Academy (Uttar Pradesh), The KJV Bible Society (Karnataka), and Voyage Educare Foundation (Maharashtra).

The FCRA regulates the acceptance and use of foreign contributions to ensure transparency and national security. This development reflects India’s ongoing reliance on global partnerships to support education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives.