Indiainfo-icon's government has banned some 20,000 charities from accepting overseas funds because they failed to comply with the rules, a home ministry official said on Tuesday.

KS Dhatwalia, a spokesman for the federal home ministry which revoked the licences, said that they had been cancelled "over the period of one and a half years".

"They have not followed FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) norms while applying for (licence) renewals," he said.

Without the licences the NGOs will not be able to receive overseas donations, which could likely impair their day-to-day operations.

Dhatwalia, however, said they can reapply and have their licenses renewed by the ministry. "Applications can be sent again.

And if they are renewed and revalidated, these NGOs can receive foreign funds and start regular work."