MHA cites internal security issues to defend FCRA tweak

The Union home ministry defended the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, citing internal security issues on Friday, amid opposition claims that the bill targets institutions run by minority communities, particularly Christians. The amendments do not regulate charity, but rather the entry of foreign money into a sovereign space that the Centre has a right to protect, emphasized the Ministry.

A team of MHA officials briefed the joint committee of Parliament on different facets of the bill, which is facing scrutiny and protests from opposition parties and Christian groups. The bill's chairperson, Sanjay Jaiswal, stated that national interest, internal security, and law and order are the main drivers. The opposition, including BJP and DMK representatives, raised concerns about foreign-funded NGOs influencing national issues and targeting Christian groups, which constitute the majority of religious organizations with FCRA licenses.