Vrindavan's Banke Bihari Temple Granted FCRA Licence To Receive Foreign Funding

The Union Home Ministry has granted the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan a licence under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), allowing it to receive foreign donations, news agency PTI reported on Sunday citing sources. The FCRA licence was granted after the committee's application was processed and approved by the court.

The temple, which is currently managed by a court-appointed committee, had earlier applied for the FCRA registration to facilitate the acceptance of foreign contributions. Previously, Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan was under private management by a family of priests. The temple has been receiving foreign currencies and plans to continue accepting donations from abroad.

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Under the FCRA, all NGOs receiving foreign contributions must be registered. The Ministry approved the temple's registration under the ''Religious (Hindu)" category, confirming its eligibility to receive international funds.

Since 2022, 184 NGOs have received FCRA registration for religious activities. Of these, 84 were registered under the 'Religious (Hindu)' category, 54 under the Christian category, and nine NGOs under the Muslim category, alongside other categories such as Buddhist, Sikh, and 'Others'.

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This step is significant for the temple’s operations, ensuring compliance with the law and enhancing its capacity to accept international donations for its religious activities.