America
Yet to be conveyed home ministry's decision: Ford Foundation
New Delhi, April 24
The Ford Foundation, one
of the most powerful international funding organisations, on Friday said
it was yet to receive any information on the issue of the home ministry
putting it on a watch list.
On Thursday, the home ministry
ordered to place the Ford Foundation on a watch list in "national
interest and security" of the country.
The foundation in a
communication to the IANS said: "We have not been contacted by MHA
(Ministry of Home Affairs) regarding any information related to the
latest news reports."
"The Ford Foundation has officially learnt
that the Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing information related to
their ongoing investigation of Sabrang Communications and Publishing
Pvt. Ltd.," it said.
Over many decades, the foundation has built
strong relationships with people, institutions and the government of
India, and has contributed to the remarkable growth and development of
the nation.
The US-based organisation also said that it would
continue to abide by the law of the land and would cooperate with the
government in its investigation.
"We have been and continue to be deeply respectful of the laws of the land and, therefore, of the process now underway."
"As
the current inquiry progresses we will continue to respond fully to
official queries directed to us," it told IANS through an email
communication on the issue.
"We are confident in our work and
compliance with the law and look forward to the outcome of this inquiry.
If the government suggests methods by which we can strengthen and
improve our grant-making processes, we will take appropriate steps to
incorporate them," it added.
The government took action against
it in the wake of intelligence reports that such organisations were
creating hurdles to the country's development.
The action was
taken under Section 46 of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act
(FCRA) after the Gujarat government asked the home ministry to take
action against Ford Foundation, alleging that it was interfering in the
internal affairs of the country.
It was also abetting communal disharmony through two NGOs run by social activist Teesta Setalvad, it said.