FCRA Bill — expanding state control over civil society
The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill of 2026 is criticized for significantly expanding government control over NGOs and civil society organizations in India. The author argues that the bill weakens due process and allows for the potential seizure of assets through procedural delays.
Why it matters
The legislation has major implications for the operational freedom and financial stability of non-profit and charitable organizations in India.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026, is far more than a routine regulatory measure. While presented as a step towards greater transparency and national security, it significantly increases executive power, transforming the FCRA from a law regulating foreign funding into one that enables extensive state control over non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charitable trusts, and educational and religious institutions.
The article takes a critical stance on government regulation, focusing on the negative impact on civil society.
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