MHA Crackdown: Two Govt Officials Arrested for FCRA Bribery

In a significant crackdown on corruption, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has arrested two government officials—a Senior Accountant and an Accountant—for allegedly seeking illegal gratification to facilitate FCRA registration. The arrests were made based on specific information provided by the MHA, highlighting the government's zero-tolerance stance on bribery in foreign funding clearances.

The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration is mandatory for NGOs and organizations receiving foreign donations. The two officials, whose names have not been disclosed, were reportedly demanding bribes to expedite or approve the registration process. The MHA's action follows a tip-off, and further investigations are underway to uncover any larger network of corruption within the department.

The arrests have sent shockwaves through the bureaucratic circles and raised questions about the integrity of the FCRA approval mechanism. Transparency advocates have welcomed the move but called for systemic reforms to prevent such abuses. The MHA has reiterated its commitment to clean governance, and more arrests are not ruled out as the probe expands.