3 weeks ago
Fadnavis: FCRA amendment bill not against any religion or community
India has a law called the FCRA that controls how groups can receive money from other countries.
The government wants to change this law with a new bill.
Some people are upset about the changes, and there has been a big argument about it.
They worry the new rules would stop religious communities from getting foreign donations.
Devendra Fadnavis, a top leader in Maharashtra, said the bill does not target any religion or community.
He said it is meant to stop people who misuse foreign money to harm India.
He also said groups that follow the rules have nothing to fear.
A US congressman named Riley Moore said the bill could hurt friendship between the US and India.
India's Ministry of External Affairs said decisions about the law are India's own business.
The opposition wants the government to take the bill back.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, is not against any religion or community.
Fadnavis said the bill aims to bring greater accountability and transparency and to check the 'misuse' of FCRA by 'anti-national' activities in India.
US Congressman Riley Moore voiced concerns that the FCRA amendments could affect bilateral relations with India.
The Ministry of External Affairs responded that legislative matters concerning India are internal affairs.
The Opposition has urged the government to withdraw the bill, while an eight-member NCP (SP) delegation led by its working president met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, US Congressman Riley Moore, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Opposition, and an NCP (SP) delegation led by its working president that met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- Clarification and debate over the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which the government says aims to bring accountability and transparency to foreign donations.
- Where
- India, with Fadnavis making his remarks while speaking to reporters.
- When
- In 2026, with the bill's amendment sparking an uproar in recent days; the NCP (SP) delegation met PM Modi on the day Fadnavis spoke to reporters.
- Why
- To address concerns over the bill and to check the alleged misuse of foreign donations for anti-national activities, while critics worry about its impact.
Government and Bill Supporters
Opposition and Critics
Purpose of the Bill
Government and Bill Supporters
The amendment is meant to ensure accountability and transparency and to firmly deal with those misusing FCRA for anti-national activities; it targets no religion, community, NGO, political party, or religious institution.
Opposition and Critics
The Opposition has urged the government to withdraw the bill, and the uproar over it suggests some segments fear they will come under scrutiny or be unfairly targeted.
Impact on US-India Relations
Government and Bill Supporters
Legislative matters concerning India are internal affairs, and the bill is necessary in the country's interest.
Opposition and Critics
US Congressman Riley Moore said the FCRA amendments could affect bilateral relations with India.
Who Should Fear the Law
Government and Bill Supporters
All organisations doing good work and conforming to transparency and accountability have no reason to fear the bill.
Opposition and Critics
Fadnavis himself noted the uproar shows some segments are worried they will come under scrutiny, which critics see as a sign the law may be misused.
Key facts
- Bill
- Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026
- Key figure
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
- Government's stated aim
- Accountability, transparency, and firm action against misuse for anti-national activities
- US reaction
- Congressman Riley Moore voiced concerns about bilateral relations
- MEA response
- India's legislative matters are internal affairs
- Opposition stance
- Urged the government to withdraw the bill
- Key provision
- Mandatory audit of foreign donations under specified provisions
- Delegation
- Eight-member NCP (SP) delegation met PM Narendra Modi
Quotes
Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister
“The proposed amendment in the FCRA bill is not to deny foreign donations to any religious community or non-government organisations. To the contrary, the bill makes provision to ensure those misusing it for anti-national activities will be dealt with firmly.”
indianexpress.com
“All those organisations doing good work have no reason to fear. All those who conform to transparency and accountability have no reason to oppose the bill.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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