No meaningful stakeholder consultation in JPC on FCRA Bill: K.C. Venugopal

Congress MP K.C. Venugopal has expressed concerns over the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill (FCRA), stating that no meaningful consultation is taking place with stakeholders. In a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Venugopal emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and warned that a rushed passage of the Bill could undermine the parliamentary process.

The FCRA Bill, which was introduced on March 25, 2026, has been met with opposition from opposition parties, as it is seen as targeting NGOs and minority institutions. Venugopal called for the Committee to invite written memoranda through public notice and hear oral evidence from all affected stakeholders, and urged the Speaker to ensure the Committee has adequate time for its work.