CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu tops the list of recipients of foreign funds with Rs.1,190.64 crore coming through 2,990 associations in 2004-05.

According to the official handbook of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976, released jointly by the FCRA Wing of the Union Home Ministry and Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) on Friday, a total of 18,540 associations received foreign contributions amounting to Rs.6,256.68 crore.

World Vision of India, Tamil Nadu, received the highest amount of Rs.133.57 crore, followed by the Rural Development Trust, Andhra Pradesh (Rs.118.75 crore), Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Andhra Pradesh, (Rs.77.57 crore), Caritas India, Delhi, (Rs.65.30 crore) and Foster Parents Plan International Inc., Delhi, received Rs.64.91 crore. Reeling out the statistics at a news conference, D.S. Mishra, Joint Secretary (Foreigners), Union Home Ministry, said in 2004-05, a total of 70 associations received foreign contribution in excess of Rs.10 crore, 112 associations between Rs.5 crore and Rs.10 crore, 985 associations between Rs.1 crore and Rs.5 crore and the remaining 17,373 below Rs.1 crore.

Among the States and Union Territories, Tamil Nadu received Rs.1,190.64 crore, followed by Delhi (Rs.1,075.23 crore), Andhra Pradesh (Rs.913.17 crore), Maharashtra (Rs.552.41 crore) and Karnataka (Rs.511.99 crore). Among the districts in different States, Chennai received (Rs.560.40 crore), followed by Bangalore (Rs.376.97 crore), Mumbai (Rs.321.82 crore), Ananthapur (Rs.287.70 crore), Kolkata (Rs.206.35 crore) and Hyderabad/Secunderabad (Rs.178.11 crore).

Explaining the major initiatives undertaken during the last three years to enhance accountability, transparency and responsiveness to meet the requirements of the stakeholders, Mr. Mishra said mentioned introduction of online status enquiry, revamping monitoring system, standardisation of work process for disposal of applications, empowerment of stakeholders and transparency in enforcement.

Launch of the online facility to facilitate applicants to register and provide details of the Annual Returns would go a long way in enhancing the transparency levels of the NGO, besides helping the Union Home Ministry to monitor the voluntary agency, he said.

Neeraj Swaroop, Chief Executive Officer, SCB, India, said as a foreign bank, it took pride in associating with the Union Home Ministry in bringing out the handbook.

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