Centre likely to send FCRA Bill to JPC amid opposition

Delhi: The federal government may forward the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed review, in response to objections raised by Christian representatives and opposition parties, according to ANI citing sources. The Bill, presented in the Lok Sabha on March 25, aims to modify the FCRA of 2010 governing the acceptance and use of foreign funds by entities in India.

Despite not yet appearing on the Lok Sabha agenda, the government had previously suggested it could be addressed on August 12.

Christian delegates convened with Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting either the Bill's cancellation or its referral to a JPC, citing apprehensions about its provisions. This move came after a meeting involving Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Shah, and Reverend John Raldosanga, chair of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC), and Reverend Lalhmangaiha, general secretary of the Council of Churches in Mizoram (CCM).

Lalduhoma emphasized the lack of a retrospective aspect in the proposed legislation during a parliamentary discussion.

A delegation led by DMK leader P Wilson also met Shah, presenting a memorandum expressing concerns that the proposed amendment could negatively impact religious minorities and civil society. The delegation highlighted provisions such as Section 14B and Chapter IIIA, arguing that delays in the FCRA Online Portal or minor technical issues could result in automatic loss of registration and potential seizure of assets by a designated authority.

The most significant proposed change involves the establishment of a Designated Authority to manage foreign contributions and assets of organizations whose FCRA registration is revoked, surrendered, or becomes invalid. In such cases, the assets would initially be held provisionally by the authority. If registration is reinstated before the expiry of the prescribed period, assets and unused foreign funds would be returned.

If not, the assets could be permanently vested with the Designated Authority. The Bill also stipulates that places of worship must retain their religious character under the Designated Authority's supervision. It includes provisions for revising and appealing decisions made by the authority.

The amendment also seeks to modify the penalty structure, reducing the maximum imprisonment for violations from five years to one year. State agencies would be required to seek prior approval from the central government before initiating investigations under the FCRA. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution urging the central government to withdraw the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, arguing it may undermine the autonomy of charitable organizations and institutions operated by minorities.

The monsoon session of Parliament commenced on July 20 and is set to conclude on August 13, with proceedings often interrupted by opposition protests over various issues, including the Delhi Police's handling of demonstrators on July 20. Several bills have been approved in the Lok Sabha amid opposition protests, accompanied by limited debate.