Zakir Naik NGO now needs govt nod to get foreign funds

The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) Educational Trust, promoted by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, has been put under prior permission category, preventing it from receiving foreign funds without getting the nod from the Central government.

In a gazette notification, the Union home ministry said that on the basis of records available and reports received from intelligence agencies, it found that the IRF Education Trust has violated various provisions of the Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA), 2010. “Now, therefore, the Central government, in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 11 of the FCRA 2010, hereby specifies that the IRF Education Trust shall obtain prior permission of the Central government on each occasion before accepting any foreign contribution in accordance with the provisions of section 12 of the Act and rules made thereunder,” the notification said.

The government is also planning to declare the IRF an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and a nod from the Union Cabinet is awaited for it. According to a draft note, which is based on the inputs from the Maharashtra police, Mr Naik, who heads the IRF and IRF Educational Trust, has allegedly made many provocative speeches and engaged in terror propaganda.

The move came after different investigations found Mr Naik to be “involved” in utilising funds meant for his NGOs for the alleged radicalisation of youth and “inspiring” them to join in terror activities.