Centre Sends FCRA Bill to JPC for Review
The Centre has stepped back from immediately pushing the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 through Parliament, referring the proposed legislation to a Joint Parliamentary Committee following objections from Opposition parties, Christian organisations and leaders from northeastern States.
FCRA Amendment Bill Sent to JPC
The Lok Sabha approved a motion to refer the Bill to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee comprising 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
The committee will examine the provisions of the legislation in detail, hear stakeholders and recommend possible changes before the Bill returns to Parliament.
It is expected to submit its report by the first week of the Winter Session.
Minority Groups Raise FCRA Concerns
Christian organisations and minority representatives had expressed concern that provisions governing the management and disposal of foreign-funded assets could disproportionately affect churches, charitable institutions and NGOs.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to allow wider parliamentary scrutiny, citing concerns raised by churches and charitable organisations in the State.
The referral to the JPC gives these groups an opportunity to present their objections before the legislation is finalised.
Centre Defends Need for FCRA Reform
The government has rejected claims that the proposed law specifically targets minority communities and maintains that the changes are intended to strengthen transparency and regulation of foreign contributions.
The Bill proposes a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and related assets when an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, expires or is not renewed.
Referral to the JPC does not mean the Bill has been withdrawn, but it opens the door for amendments following wider parliamentary and stakeholder scrutiny.
