2 weeks ago
Government sends FCRA bill to joint panel despite Opposition protests
This story is about a law in India about money that comes from other countries to help charities and other groups.
The government wants to watch more closely how that foreign money is received and used.
Some people in the government say the law is needed to keep the country safe.
But many other leaders are upset and say the law could be unfair to minority groups, especially charities run by Christians.
They were so upset that they wanted the law to be stopped completely.
At first, the government wanted to pass the law quickly, but then it changed its mind.
Instead, the government decided to send the law to a special committee of parliament to study it more carefully.
The committee will have 31 members — 21 from one part of parliament and 10 from another.
The government says the law treats everyone fairly, but people who disagree are not convinced.
Some reports say the government changed its mind after church groups and leaders of two northeastern states complained.
The Narendra Modi government referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for further scrutiny.
The resolution, moved by junior home minister Nityanand Rai, was adopted by voice vote amid loud Opposition protests demanding the bill's withdrawal.
Opposition parties called the bill 'anti-minority,' saying it could affect legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions.
Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju defended the bill as a national security measure that is not aimed at any minority community.
BJP sources said the rethink followed objections from Christian organisations, the chief ministers of Mizoram and Nagaland, and some US lawmakers, amid concerns about Assembly elections in Goa and Manipur.
- Who
- The Narendra Modi government, Opposition parties including the Congress, Samajwadi Party and DMK, and ministers Nityanand Rai and Kiren Rijiju.
- What
- The government referred the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny after earlier signalling it would pass the law in 'national interest.'
- Where
- In the Indian Parliament (Lok Sabha).
- When
- On Wednesday, during the current parliamentary session.
- Why
- Following strong Opposition pushback and objections from Christian organisations, two northeastern chief ministers, and some US lawmakers over the bill's potential impact on minority-run institutions and foreign funding.
Opposition Parties
Government (BJP-led Centre)
Impact on minorities
Opposition Parties
The bill is 'anti-minority' and could curb legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions; it should be withdrawn.
Government (BJP-led Centre)
The bill is not against any minority community; it strengthens national security and ensures accountability in the receipt and use of foreign funds.
Reason for panel referral
Opposition Parties
The referral is a retreat and does not go far enough; the Opposition wanted the bill withdrawn entirely.
Government (BJP-led Centre)
The government responded to Opposition demands for wider consultation; the Opposition contradicted itself by first demanding panel referral and then protesting when the government agreed.
Need for the legislation
Opposition Parties
The government is targeting NGOs and minorities while the RSS continues to receive foreign donations.
Government (BJP-led Centre)
India is 'not a banana republic' and requires clear rules governing foreign contributions to strengthen security and accountability.
Key facts
- Bill
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill
- Government action
- Referred to a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) for scrutiny
- JPC composition
- 21 members from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha
- Resolution moved by
- Junior home minister Nityanand Rai
- Bill introduced in Lok Sabha
- March 25, during the last session
- Key provision
- Designated authority to manage and dispose of assets if an organisation loses its FCRA licence
- Main objection
- Possible impact on legitimate foreign funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run institutions
- Reported catalyst for rethink
- Objections from Christian organisations, Mizoram and Nagaland chief ministers, and some US lawmakers
Quotes
K.C. Venugopal
Congress MP and former Union minister
“This legislation is not against any minority community. It’s being brought to strengthen the country’s security and ensure the safety and security of every community.”
telegraphindia.com
“On the one hand, the RSS receives foreign donations, while on the other the government is targeting minorities and NGOs. The bill should be withdrawn.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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