MHA Defends FCRA Bill on Security Grounds
The Union Home Ministry has defended proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, telling a parliamentary panel that the changes are driven by national security, internal security and law-and-order concerns rather than an attempt to regulate charitable activity.
MHA Calls FCRA a National Security Law
Home Secretary Govind Mohan and senior ministry officials briefed the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026. The ministry said the law regulates the entry and use of foreign money within India and described safeguarding that financial flow as a matter of sovereign authority.
Officials said the proposed amendments seek to address legal and operational gaps, improve transparency and provide greater clarity in enforcement. The ministry also rejected allegations that the changes were directed against any particular religious community.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over FCRA Changes
Opposition MPs questioned provisions of the Bill and argued that some changes could disproportionately affect minority-run organisations, particularly Christian institutions. Concerns were also raised over provisions dealing with assets when an organisation surrenders its FCRA registration.
During the discussions, protests surrounding major projects such as the Kudankulam nuclear plant and Sardar Sarovar Dam were cited while examining concerns over foreign-funded organisations influencing issues considered important to national interests.
Foreign Contributions Reach Rs 22,974 Crore
Government data presented to the panel showed foreign contributions rose from Rs 17,832 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 22,974 crore in 2024-25.
Around 57% of the 2024-25 funds went towards social activities, 30% towards education and 8%, or approximately Rs 1,841 crore, towards religious purposes. Of the religious funding, about 73% went to Christian organisations and nearly 18% to Hindu organisations.
The parliamentary committee is expected to examine the proposed changes before submitting its recommendations.
