NEW DELHI: Amid fierce objections from opposition parties and various civil society organisations, Lok Sabha may take up the controversial Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill for passage on Wednesday.
According to the revised list of business of Lok Sabha for April 1, the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 will be moved by Union Home Minister Amit Shah for further passage in the Assembly.
The bill has sparked a row, as the proposed amendment gives the Centre the power to appoint a designated authority which can control funds and assets when the FCRA certificate is cancelled or surrendered.
This control extends even to assets that are only partly funded through foreign contributions. The authority is empowered to supervise, manage, and maintain these assets. According to the statement of objects and reasons, the proposed law seeks to provide timelines for receipt and utilisation under prior permission. It provides for the cessation of the certificate, regulates the handling of assets during suspension, rationalises penalties and requires prior approval of the central government for the initiation of investigation.
The proposed amendments have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition and NGOs, who termed it as draconian and anti-constitutional. While there is widespread concern that granting sweeping powers to authorities could lead to arbitrary exercise, the government defends the bill, asserting it is “dangerous” for those who engage in forced religious conversion using foreign contributions, as well as for individuals who abuse foreign funding for personal gain.
With the Kerala elections round the corner, the bill has sparked concerns that it could be used against churches, schools and hospitals run by minority communities. In a memorandum submitted to Amit Shah on Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) said that the proposed amendment, while intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, raises serious concerns about constitutional balance, civil society freedom, and the future of charitable service in India.
The memorandum has also urged MPs to seek referral of the bill to a parliamentary standing committee.
“Ensure that administrative lapses do not lead to disproportionate penalties such as asset seizure. Introduce clear safeguards to uphold due process and judicial oversight and protect the autonomy of charitable, educational, and faith-based institutions,” it said.
The establishment of an independent appellate authority is essential to ensure impartial adjudication and effective redressal of grievances, it said.
Blatantly unconstitutional law, says Venugopal
BJP is planning to bulldoze the FCRA amendments in Parliament, at a time when the Congress and opposition parties are in the midst of an intense election season, said Congress leader K C Venugopal. “This is an unconstitutional law, which will destroy NGOs and community organisations—especially those run by minorities. We will not allow the BJP to arm-twist honest philanthropic institutions,” he said.