Oxfam India campaigned against Assam tea industry, violated FCRA, Centre tells Delhi HC
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The Union government has told the Delhi High Court that non-governmental organisation Oxfam India was involved in a “negative and malicious campaign” against Assam’s tea industry and acted as a “probable instrument of foreign policy”.
In submissions made before the court, the Union Home Ministry alleged that inquiries conducted by central agencies and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) found the organisation to be in violation of provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
The ministry alleged that Oxfam India had engaged in activities “detrimental to the national economic interest”, including entering into an agreement with another organisation to mobilise communities against the coal industry with the support of local unions.
The matter is being heard in connection with Oxfam India’s challenge to the Centre’s decision refusing renewal of its FCRA registration.
Under Indian law, registration under the FCRA is mandatory for non-profit organisations to receive foreign contributions.
Oxfam India was among thousands of NGOs whose FCRA registrations ceased on January 1, 2022. While several organisations failed to apply for renewal, Oxfam India’s application was rejected by the Home Ministry in December 2022.
The NGO had subsequently moved the Delhi High Court, following which the Centre was directed in November 2022 to decide on its renewal application within six weeks.
According to the ministry’s submissions, Oxfam India was also found to have corresponded with foreign governments and multilateral organisations in a manner aimed at exerting pressure on the Government of India.
The ministry further alleged that the NGO had carried out a campaign in 2019 targeting the Assam tea industry by highlighting wage-related issues faced by tea garden workers, based on a study conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).
It claimed that the organisation projected “opinionated statements” against the tea sector in the media, allegedly harming the interests of the Indian tea industry and potentially fuelling unrest against the Assam government.
Responding to the allegations, Oxfam India denied wrongdoing and said communications with diplomatic missions were limited to providing updates sought by foreign donors regarding funded projects.
The NGO also argued that its campaign on tea garden workers contributed to wage increases in Assam in 2022.
On the allegation regarding mobilisation against the coal industry, Oxfam India told the court that although another organisation had sought financial assistance, no funds were ultimately disbursed.
Earlier this year, the Centre informed the High Court that it was willing to consider a fresh FCRA registration application submitted by Oxfam India without prejudice. The Union government on Friday said the application remains under consideration.