Amid backlash, Centre set to refer FCRA Bill to JPC

Amid growing backlash from across India, the Union government announced plans to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further scrutiny, reported sources. Tamil Nadu Minister Rajamohan led a resolution in the state's legislative assembly, expressing deep concerns over provisions related to the transfer, management, and sale of charitable organizations' assets to the government under certain conditions, such as expiry or non-renewal of FCRA registration.

This move comes after mass protests in Mizoram, a predominantly Christian state, where hundreds of Christians from various denominations rallied against the perceived disproportionate impact on their institutions. The Bill, introduced on March 25, seeks to tighten government oversight of NGOs and foreign funding, including the creation of a designated authority to manage and dispose of assets in case an organization's FCRA license is cancelled or lapses.

Critics argue that this would disproportionately affect minority institutions, restricting foreign funding for Christian NGOs and other welfare and educational organizations. Despite objections from opposition parties, the government has not made any commitments regarding the Bill's fate during a recent meeting of the Rajya Sabha's Business Advisory Committee.