Home Ministry moves out 3 of 5 officers from division hit by bribery allegations
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has repatriated three senior officers following the arrest of two government officials involved in a bribery scandal related to FCRA registrations. The investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the corruption within the Foreigners Division.
Why it matters
This incident highlights internal governance challenges and corruption risks within departments managing foreign funding for NGOs in India.
Days after two government officials were apprehended by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on September 28 for allegedly seeking bribes to process registrations under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) repatriated three of the five senior officers of the Foreigners Division-II to their parent cadre.
FCRA registration is mandatory for NGOs to receive foreign funds. Foreigners Division under the MHA deals with issues related to FCRA registration, renewal, suspension and cancellation.
Joint Director Saurabh Bansal and Deputy Director Ayush Bansal, who were posted in Foreigners-II division and both belonging to the Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICAS) were repatriated to their parent cadre, according to an MHA order issued on October 1.
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