FCRA bill aims to bolster oversight, not target any religion: Centre

Government officials assert that the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, is designed to strengthen oversight of foreign funding and is not aimed at any specific religious community. The bill, slated for discussion during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, introduces significant changes to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) framework.

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For now, the FCRA Bill, 2026, will be taken up for consideration in the House in its current form. There is no plan to make any further changes. It provides a comprehensive statutory framework for vesting, supervision, management and disposal of foreign contribution and assets through a designated authority, provides clear timelines and rationalises penalties. The law would not be used against a particular religious community, but against violators who misuse foreign funding for illegal purposes.

A key provision empowers a designated authority to take over, manage, or sell assets of NGOs whose FCRA registration has been canceled, suspended, or not renewed. The amendments also broaden the scope of actions against individuals associated with such organizations, including directors and trustees. Officials emphasize that the law targets violators misusing foreign funds for illegal purposes, not particular religious groups.

Despite these assurances, concerns have been raised by figures like Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and various Christian organizations. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the withdrawal of the proposed amendments and recently notified FCRA rules. They argued that some provisions could negatively affect charitable institutions that have long served vulnerable communities and called for safeguards for existing rights and assets, along with independent judicial oversight.

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could affect charitable institutions that have served poor and vulnerable communities for decades

These concerns follow recent amendments to FCRA rules that permit a wider range of faith-based activities but explicitly exclude proselytization from eligible categories. The amended rules also impose restrictions on organizations with foreign nationals as key functionaries, stating they will "ordinarily not be considered" for registration. Government officials maintain that the FCRA rules are legally binding and have been updated to improve accountability in the receipt and use of foreign contributions.

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ordinarily not be considered