The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted a Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licence for 5 years to the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Meer Foundation run by the Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, ET has learned.
The Mumbai-based NGO, which supports acid attack survivors, will now be able to receive foreign grants. Any NGO can apply for an FCRA licence for purposes such as cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social programs.
Meer Foundation, classified as a “social” NGO, is now listed to receive foreign contributions. Founded by Khan in 2013, Meer Foundation is registered as a Section 25 company (not-for-profit) under the Companies Act and as a charitable institution under sections 12A (A) and 80 G of the Income-tax Act of 1961. The foundation’s website states that it works to empower women and unite society through various initiatives.
The MHA grants FCRA licences for five years and reviews applications based on annual returns and the proper use of foreign grants. Misuse or diversion of funds is considered a violation of the FCRA Act.
In 2024, the MHA has granted 175 FCRA licences to various NGOs across the country for social, religious, cultural, educational, and economic purposes. Under FCRA laws, donations from Indian-origin individuals with foreign citizenship, including Overseas Citizen of India cardholders, are treated as foreign contributions. This does not apply to Non-resident Indians who retain Indian citizenship.
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Shahrukh Khan’s NGO, Meer Foundation, gets FCRA licence from Home ministry: Report
