CBI told to investigate Oxfam India for alleged violation of foreign funds act

Scenes of income tax raids on the premises of Oxfam India and CPR last year, caused concerns about freedom of non-government organisations operating in the country. The action was followed by a restriction on foreign funding placed by the Indian government earlier in 2022.

Now the Central Bureau of Investigation has been directed to investigate Oxfam India for alleged violations of the foreign funds act.

Highlighting uncomfortable facts

• The instructions come months after Oxfam India released another report about the rising inequality, as well as deaths linked to hunger in the country.

• In February 2023, the Delhi High Court had asked the central government to respond to Oxfam India's plea for renewal of its registration under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.

Oxfam undeterred by funding restrictions

• Oxfam's latest report in January 2023, it showed that 5 per cent richest in India own 60 per cent of the wealth, while the poorest 50 per cent only have access to 3 per cent.

• Despite being hit by restrictions on its foreign funding, Oxfam has also released reports highlighting the digital divide in India, where online services are being touted as a gamechanger.

• The CBI action following a tax survey on Oxfam India, comes shortly after BBC India's offices were searched by the Income Tax department after it aired a controversial documentary.