Government suspends Centre for Policy Research’s FCRA licence

The central government has suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act licence of the Centre for Policy Research, Economic Times reported today. CPR is a non-profit think tank which examines and researches government policies

Officials told ET that the think tank’s licence was revoked “citing non-compliance of FCRA norms” and that “modalities are being worked out for CPR to utilise funds received in FCRA account”. However, a CPR functionary told ET that their FCRA application was “under renewal”.

In September last year, the Income Tax department conducted a “survey” at CPR’s Delhi office. The think tank issued a statement saying it had “done nothing wrong”. 

“As one of 24 research institutes of the Indian Council of Social Sciences Research network, CPR has all requisite approvals and sanctions, and is authorised by the government as a recipient under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act,” the statement said.

Since its inception in 1973, CPR has undertaken studies on almost every topic under the sun. The IT “survey” surprised many within the centre which is widely seen as being “centrist”, despite some writings critical of the government.

So, who funds the multidisciplinary think tank and how does it function? Read Newslaundry’s report to find out.