JPC members question Centre on foreign funds, asset takeover provisions in FCRA amendments

At the first meeting of Parliament’s Joint Committee on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, members raised a barrage of questions on the proposed changes, with the thrust of the ruling party MPs’ queries focused on utilisation of foreign contributions and Opposition members questioning provisions dealing with assets when an organisation’s FCRA licence is cancelled.

The Opposition objected to the provision relating to the “designated authority”, which will have a wide ambit of powers. Under the provision, if an organisation’s Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) certificate is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses automatically, foreign contributions and all assets created from them would vest in a government-appointed “designated authority”, without a prior hearing or judicial determination.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in its submission, said the proposed amendments are aimed at making the use of foreign contributions more transparent and accountable.