3 weeks ago
Opposition Gears Up to Challenge FCRA Amendment Bill in Parliament
Some important leaders in India are upset about a new rule called the FCRA Amendment Bill.
This rule is about money that comes to Indian groups from other countries.
The government wants to create a special office, called a Designated Authority, to watch over that money.
If a group is not allowed to receive foreign money anymore, this office could take control of the money and things bought with it.
Many opposition leaders say this gives the government too much power.
They say groups that help with education and healthcare could be hurt.
Some leaders want the rule to be cancelled, while others want a group of MPs to study it carefully first.
The Congress party has told its members to be present in Parliament on August 10, 11 and 12 to discuss it.
Opposition leaders will meet on Monday to decide what to do next.
The Opposition is preparing to challenge the Centre's Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, expected in Parliament this week.
The Bill proposes a 'Designated Authority' to take control of foreign contributions and assets when an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or expires.
Congress has issued a whip requiring its MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to be present on August 10, 11 and 12.
Opposition leaders including Supriya Sule, K C Venugopal and Derek O'Brien have called the Bill draconian or unconstitutional, demanding its withdrawal or referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Official figures show 14,449 active FCRA registrations as of July 15, while 22,498 had been cancelled and 15,212 had expired.
- Who
- Opposition parties led by Congress, including NCP (SP), TMC and DMK, and leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Supriya Sule, K C Venugopal, Derek O'Brien and MK Stalin.
- What
- The Opposition is preparing to challenge the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which proposes a Designated Authority to control foreign contributions and assets when an organisation's FCRA registration ceases.
- Where
- The Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- When
- The Bill is expected to come up in Parliament this week; Congress MPs have been directed to be present on August 10, 11 and 12, and an all-party meeting is set for Monday.
- Why
- Opposition leaders argue the amendments would increase executive control over NGOs and organisations receiving foreign contributions.
Opposition Parties
Union Government
Designated Authority over foreign funds
Opposition Parties
Opposition leaders argue the proposed authority would increase executive control over NGOs and community organisations and harm sectors such as education and healthcare.
Union Government
The proposed framework would have a Designated Authority take control of foreign contributions and assets generated from them once an organisation's FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered or expires, and monitor such organisations in certain circumstances.
Withdrawal or parliamentary scrutiny
Opposition Parties
Supriya Sule called for the Bill to be withdrawn or referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee; K C Venugopal called it unconstitutional, Derek O'Brien described it as 'draconian', and MK Stalin demanded its withdrawal and repeal of Section 15 of the FCRA.
Union Government
The Centre has moved the amendment forward, though it has not been listed in the tentative government business for the coming week of Parliament.
Retrospective application of asset rules
Opposition Parties
Critics are concerned that Section 16B could affect organisations whose FCRA registrations expired years ago but which may now operate using domestic funds.
Union Government
Section 16B would allow the proposed framework to apply to assets that had already vested under the earlier law.
Key facts
- Bill
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Existing law
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
- Key proposal
- Creation of a 'Designated Authority' to manage foreign contributions and assets when FCRA registration ceases
- Active FCRA registrations
- 14,449 (as of July 15)
- Cancelled registrations
- 22,498
- Expired registrations
- 15,212
- Provisions under scrutiny
- Sections 14B, 16A and 16B
- Opposition demands
- Withdrawal of the Bill or referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee
Quotes
Mallikarjun Kharge
Opposition leader and former Union Minister
“The bill is "draconian" and warns about what he sees as excessive government control over organisations working in sectors such as education and healthcare.”
thehansindia.com
“The decision to oppose the proposed law will be made after talking with floor leaders.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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