By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: As many as 14,700 groups in India have received foreign funds worth Rs. 4,856 crore during the year 2003-04 as per figures with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs .
The Andhra Pradesh-based Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust tops the list as it is the largest recipient of foreign contributions. The Sathya Sai Trust received Rs. 95 crore during 2003-04.
World Vision International, a United States-based Christian relief and development organization, is the biggest donor agency for many Indian voluntary groups.
World Vision released nearly Rs. 95 crore for charitable purposes for Indian agencies last year. Other big donors are Foster Parents Plan International, USA and Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, USA.
As per the latest available data with the Union home ministry, the US heads the list of donor countries to India with Rs. 1,492.62 crore, followed by the United Kingdom Rs. 677.59 crore and Germany Rs. 664.51 crore. ([email protected])