7 hrs ago
JPC Examines FCRA Bill Amid Opposition and Christian Groups’ Concerns
India’s Parliament is studying a proposed change to rules for organisations that receive money from other countries.
Officials from the Home and Law ministries explained each part of the bill to a committee.
The committee has 31 members and is led by Sanjay Jaiswal.
Opposition parties and Christian groups worry that the changes could make lawful funding harder to receive.
They say this could affect minority-run schools, welfare groups and NGOs.
The government says the bill does not target any religion.
It says the goal is to make foreign funding more transparent and prevent misuse.
The government has also referred to concerns about forced religious conversion and personal gain.
The number of active registered NGOs has decreased, while the total foreign funding they received has increased.
Home and Law ministries gave the 31-member JPC a clause-by-clause briefing on the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026.
The committee, chaired by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal, is examining the bill before preparing its report.
Opposition parties and Christian organisations say some provisions could restrict legitimate foreign funding for minority institutions and NGOs.
The government says the bill is religion-neutral and seeks greater transparency and proper use of overseas contributions.
Active FCRA-registered NGOs fell from 29,022 in 2015 to 14,466 in 2024-25, while foreign funds rose to Rs 22,974 crore.
- Who
- The Home Affairs and Law and Justice ministries briefed a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal; opposition parties and Christian organisations have criticised the bill.
- What
- The committee received a clause-by-clause briefing on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
- Where
- The briefing took place in New Delhi, India.
- When
- The briefing took place on September 29, 2026; the bill was introduced on March 25 and referred to the JPC on August 12.
- Why
- The government says the amendments would improve transparency and proper use of foreign contributions, while critics fear tighter controls could restrict legitimate funding for minority organisations and NGOs.
Opposition and Civil Society Concerns
Government’s Position
Impact on minorities
Opposition and Civil Society Concerns
Opposition parties and Christian organisations allege that some provisions could target minorities and restrict legitimate funding for Christian NGOs and minority-run social welfare and educational institutions.
Government’s Position
The government says the legislation is not religion-specific and has challenged critics to identify a provision that discriminates against minorities.
Purpose of tighter controls
Opposition and Civil Society Concerns
Critics, including Supriya Sule, argue that foreign funding should not automatically be viewed with suspicion and have sought changes or withdrawal of the bill.
Government’s Position
The government says the amendments are intended to regulate foreign contributions, improve transparency and ensure proper utilisation, including preventing misuse for forced religious conversion or personal gain.
International criticism
Opposition and Civil Society Concerns
Some US lawmakers from both major parties, including James Risch, expressed concern that the changes could adversely affect Christian organisations and other civil society groups.
Government’s Position
India rejected the criticism and described the legislation as an internal matter.
Key facts
- Committee
- A 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee chaired by BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal
- Bill introduced
- March 25, 2026, in the Lok Sabha
- Bill referred to JPC
- August 12, 2026
- Active FCRA NGOs in 2015
- 29,022
- Active FCRA NGOs in 2024-25
- 14,466 across 15 states
- Foreign funds in 2015-16
- Rs 17,832 crore
- Foreign funds in 2024-25
- Rs 22,974 crore
- Largest state total
- Tamil Nadu, with 2,102 active FCRA-registered organisations
Sources
Related news
31-Member Panel to Examine Contentious FCRA Amendment Bill
FCRA NGOs Halve as Foreign Contributions Rise Over Decade
JPC Examines FCRA Bill as BJP MP Arvind Thanks Leaders
SBI Seeks Banking Rules as Parliament Examines FCRA Amendments
Congress MP Seeks Global Support Over Proposed FCRA Bill
CBI Books US Christian Group Over Alleged ₹92.55-Crore FCRA Violations
Northeast Frontier Railway Reviews Bairabi–Sairang Line Improvement Works
Mizoram Wins North East Regional Muaythai Championship Title
Mizoram Government Reviews School Staffing, Teacher Recruitment Plans
Tripura and Mizoram Begin Talks on Long-Standing Boundary Dispute