**New Measures to Prevent Corruption in Grant Acquisition**
In a move to combat corruption and ensure transparency, the Anti-Corruption Bureau is introducing new measures to monitor grant acquisition. According to Razhden Kuprashvili, head of the bureau, this will be achieved through a special platform that allows organizations to digitize information about their grants while protecting personal data.
The platform, as described by Kuprashvili during a joint session of two parliamentary committees, is designed to prevent additional discomfort for honest organizations. He emphasized that in cases where an organization’s grant information is provided directly by the organization itself, the Anti-Corruption Bureau will rely on this digitized information. However, if an organization is found to be engaging in covert activities, such as financing political parties or taking actions that benefit them, the bureau will take a different approach.
**Disinformation Campaign and Intimidation**
Kuprashvili expressed concerns about a disinformation campaign underway, which has taken on forms of intimidation. Despite this, he noted that not everyone is opposed to the new measures. Some organizations have been confused about the laws, but when engaged in dialogue, the issues are clearly distinguished.
The head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau highlighted that the Law on Grants and the FARA legislation aim to separate covert activities from legitimate work by NGOs. He emphasized that honest organizations are more interested in being transparent and allowing citizens to understand their work. Respect for their good work will only increase through this commitment to transparency, he said.
**FARA Website Sees High Traffic**
On a positive note, Kuprashvili reported that the FARA website received nearly 50,000 visitors on its first day of launch. Many organizations contacted the bureau for professional consultations, and in almost 99% of cases, registration under FARA was not required, as the purpose of FARA is political activity.
**The Way Forward**
Kuprashvili’s message is clear: efforts are being made to discredit the process, but the Anti-Corruption Bureau remains committed to transparency. The bureau will strive to identify all cases through an open and transparent process, ensuring that citizens have a right to know about funding linked to political activity.
As the implementation of the Law on Grants and FARA legislation continues, it is crucial to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved. By doing so, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable system for grant acquisition in Georgia.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
