The review comes as the Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for allegedly promoting the “left, liberal and awakening” agenda abroad.
The emergency room is currently investigating three Bengaluru-based companies for alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Administration Act, especially regarding the receipt of Rs 25 crore from the Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF).
Among these companies, ASAR Social Impact Consultants also received Rs 8 crore for being a foreign-domestic remittance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) during the fiscal 23 period.
Central agencies are particularly interested in understanding the motivations and purposes behind USDA payments. It is worth noting that in 2016, the Ministry of the Interior classified the open social foundations as “previous reference categories” in 2016 due to concerns about “bad activities.” This classification stipulates that prior approval from the Ministry must be obtained before donating to any Indian nonprofit organization.
According to TOI sources, Assal clarified that U.S. Agency for International Development funds are intended to reimburse services provided to the Delhi-based public policy think tank, the Energy, Environment and Water Council (CEEW). CEEW stated on its website that CEEW’s mission involves “understanding the global challenges and impacts of Indian development.” In a statement on an ongoing investigation involving ASAR, Ceew said: “ASAR social impact consultant CEEW has signed a contract to provide specific services for a USAID project related to clean air. The project is over.” The think tank further asserted that it has no connection with George Soros, the Open Society Foundation or any of its funds.
The statement continued: “CEEW is currently not related to ASAR at present. It has not received any inquiries from any government authorities related to Asar. We have no reason or basis for comment on any ongoing investigations on the ongoing third parties.”
ASAR officials have not clarified the nature of the services provided to CEEW or the participation of USAID in this case. As with the TOI report, two other Bengaluru companies under investigation are under investigation, identified as Rootbridge Services Pvt Ltd and Rootbridge Academy Ltd, and received funding from SEDF, the influence investment arm of the Open Society Foundation.
Regarding ASAR and two other Bengaluru entities, the ED investigation will delve into whether it meets the necessary compliance requirements. In addition, the agency is reviewing Soros’ funds for Indian civil rights organizations, think tanks and other entities, a guise of foreign direct investment.
(Input with TOI)
