MHA cites internal security issues to defend FCRA tweak
The Indian Home Ministry is defending amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, arguing the bill is a national security measure rather than an attack on minority-run charities. Opposition parties continue to allege the law unfairly targets Christian organizations.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between national security oversight and the freedom of religious and non-profit organizations to receive international funding.
NEW DELHI: Amid the charge from the opposition that Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill targets institutions run by minorities, especially Christians, Union home ministry asserted Friday that the amendments do not regulate charity but the entry of foreign money into a "sovereign space", which Centre is fully entitled to protect, and emphasised the law at its core is a "national-security" legislation.A team of MHA officials led by home secretary Govind Mohan briefed the joint committee of Parliament - which is scrutinising the bill and held its first meeting - on different facets as it faced questions from MPs, with Mohan insisting the bill is not against any community, sources aware of the details said.He said concerns over national interest, internal security and law and order are the main drivers of the bill.
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