Mumbai: The Central Government has approved the Maharashtra Government's Chief Minister's Relief Fund to receive foreign aid by granting registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The Central Government granted permission to Maharashtra, which was previously denied to Kerala. This is the first time that a state has received permission under the FCRA. Assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund is usually provided to those who are victims of natural disasters, accidents and communal conflicts. Medical assistance and educational assistance are provided from this fund.
The Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund is being formed under the Bombay Public Trust Act. About one and a half lakh transactions are made through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in a year. Earlier, when Kerala sought permission from the Center to receive foreign aid, the Modi government had denied it. During the 2018 floods, Kerala sought permission from the Center to receive aid from countries including the UAE. The Ministry of Home Affairs regulates foreign contributions through the FCRA Act.
The aim is to ensure that such donations do not adversely affect the country's internal security. Registration is mandatory under the FCRA for associations, NGOs and groups that receive foreign donations. Such registered institutions can accept foreign donations for social, educational, religious, economic and cultural programs.