New Delhi/Alappuzha, April 1: A discussion on the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026, scheduled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, was deferred after a heated political exchange.
The opposition alleged that the bill could restrict minority rights and tighten government control over NGOs, while the BJP defended it as necessary for national security and transparency, asserting it does not target any religion.
Introduced on March 25, the bill aims to curb misuse of foreign funding, particularly against forced religious conversions.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the bill was not political and sought to protect national interests. Opposition MPs, led by Congress, CPI(M), and others, criticized it as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and a means to control NGOs.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several church leaders expressed concern over potential adverse impacts on minorities and institutions, warning that even minor compliance failures could lead to asset attachment.
The proposed law seeks to enhance oversight of foreign-funded organisations, creating a ‘designated authority’ to supervise, seize, and manage non-profit assets, including provisional and permanent vesting.
It sets timelines for fund utilisation, regulates asset management during registration suspension, and introduces prior government approval for investigations.
Around 16,000 associations currently receive Rs 22,000 crore annually under FCRA.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India welcomed the deferral but highlighted that concerns remain, as the bill is only postponed.
The discussion is unlikely to resume in the ongoing Budget session, with the government citing legislative priorities and ongoing Assembly elections in five states and UTs. (PTI)
