India, June 24 -- In a move widely expected to boost the fund-raising ability of religious bodies registered as non-government organisations, and crack down on conversion, the Union home ministry has amended rules for receiving foreign funds under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

The amended rules also say that any association with foreign nationals, other than those of Indian origin, as its key functionaries will "ordinarily not be considered" for grant of registration or prior permission to receive foreign funds under the Act. And they require NGOs to explicitly mention the regions where they will operate, and details of their social media accounts.

A gazette notification in this regard was issued late Monday evening. ...