ED raids Satat Sampada's co-founders over foreign funds
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided the residences of Harjeet Singh and Jyoti Awasthi, the co-founders of Noida-based non-profit organization, Satat Sampada. The organization is accused of receiving £500,000 to lobby for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT). The raids were carried out as part of an investigation into suspicious foreign remittances received under the pretext of consultancy charges from other organizations.
Organizational goals
Satat Sampada's mission and areas of focus
Satat Sampada is a pro-conservation NGO that works to protect natural resources like air, water, and forests from unchecked development. The organization focuses on sustainable agriculture, reviving traditional food practices, promoting safe food marketing, and addressing climate impacts and migration. It also works toward just transition away from fossil fuels as well as climate adaptation and resilience.
Accusations
ED's allegations and recovery during raids
The main charge against Satat Sampada is that it has been receiving foreign funds to influence government policy. The ED also recovered 45-liter of unlicensed liquor during the raids. The timing of these actions has drawn attention as Singh had recently criticized the government's stance on a court order regarding Aravalli Hills.
Advocacy challenges
Other organizations facing government scrutiny
Satat Sampada isn't the only organization facing government scrutiny for its advocacy work. Other groups such as ActionAid International, Climate Action Network, and Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative have also been in the government's crosshairs. These developments highlight the ongoing tensions between non-profit organizations advocating for environmental protection and government policies.