Gajapati, 17/01/25 — Concerns are mounting over significant irregularities within the Utkal Baptist Churches Association (UBCA) based in Gajapati. Reports indicate that the association, which purportedly oversees hundreds of churches in the region, is failing to adhere to government guidelines and regulations. According to sources, the UBCA has not established proper operational functions as mandated by government orders, raising questions about its legitimacy. Many churches claiming affiliation with the UBCA lack the necessary documentation to prove their ties, and the association has not provided a consolidated accounting for the numerous churches under its umbrella. Moreover, there have been alarming claims that none of the affiliated churches have undergone audits by authorized Chartered Accountants. This lack of financial oversight is compounded by the failure to file annual returns to the Income Tax Department, which constitutes a breach of established tax regulations. Local officials are urging the government to take immediate action by reviewing the registration and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) status of the UBCA until all required documentation and financial reports are duly submitted. "We cannot allow such irregularities to continue unchecked," stated a local government representative. "It's essential for all organizations to comply with the rules of the land to maintain transparency and accountability." As the situation unfolds, the community is calling for greater scrutiny of religious organizations to ensure compliance with government regulations, thereby safeguarding public trust and financial integrity. Further investigations are expected in the coming weeks to ascertain the validity of the UBCA's operations and affiliations.
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