Centre likely to send FCRA Bill to JPC amid opposition
The Indian government is expected to refer the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee following pushback from opposition parties and religious groups. Critics argue the bill could unfairly impact civil society organizations and religious minorities through strict regulatory compliance requirements.
Why it matters
The FCRA regulates foreign funding for NGOs in India, and changes to it have significant implications for the operational freedom of civil society and religious institutions.
NEW DELHI: The Centre is likely to send the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny, amid objections from Christian representatives and opposition parties, news agency ANI reported citing sources.The Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, seeks to amend the FCRA, 2010, which regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations and companies in India.Although the Bill has not yet been listed for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha, the government had earlier indicated that it could be taken up on August 12.According to sources, Christian representatives met Union home minister Amit Shah and sought either withdrawal of the Bill or its referral to a JPC, citing concerns over its provisions.The development follows a meeting between Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma and Shah, during which the chief minister raised regional concerns and submitted recommendations…
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