FCRA AMENDMENT BILL
SBI seeks clarity on handling of bank accounts, deposits under FCRA bill
State Bank of India officials are seeking clarity on handling accounts when an organization’s registration is suspended. They highlighted risks for smaller entities that may lose access to funds upon missing renewal deadlines. The JPC is examining the implications of the FCRA Amendment Bill, focusing on accountability and regulations for banking procedures.
SBI seeks clarity on bank accounts under proposed FCRA rules
State Bank of India presented to the Joint Parliamentary Committee regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. Officials raised concerns about gaps in foreign donation handling when registration lapses occur. They suggested that clear banking procedures be established for affected organizations. The bill proposed transferring compliance responsibilities to a government-designated authority in certain cases. Opposition parties criticized the bill for potentially disadvantaging minority groups and impacting foreign funding for NGOs.
JPC on FCRA Amendment bill to hold second meeting tomorrow
The Joint Parliamentary Committee is preparing for its second meeting to discuss the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Members will receive briefings from officials of the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law and Justice. Stakeholders, including the State Bank of India Chairman, will also share their views during the meeting. Previous discussions have focused on compliance and transparency in foreign funding by NGOs and other entities.
Joint Parliamentary Committee to start detailed scrutiny of FCRA bill
The parliamentary panel will examine the FCRA bill on Tuesday to begin its scrutiny of the proposed legislation. SBI Chairman CS Setty, Attorney General Tushar Mehta and other legal experts would brief the committee on its financial, compliance and legal aspects. Home secretary Govind Mohan had earlier told the panel that the proposed amendments were aimed at addressing internal security concerns.
Home ministry briefs JPC on FCRA amendments, says only 8% of foreign funds go to religious purposes
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act is being amended to address national security concerns. Foreign contributions to NGOs rose significantly, with the US being the largest donor. Social activities received the largest share of foreign funds, followed by education. Religious purposes accounted for a small portion of contributions, with Christian bodies receiving most. The proposed bill aims for greater clarity and effective enforcement of the existing law.
FCRA registered NGOs down by half in last 10 years; contribution rises from Rs 17832 cr to Rs 22974 cr
Active FCRA registered NGOs have halved in the last decade. Foreign contributions received by these organizations have significantly increased. Christian associations received nearly three-fourth of the total foreign funds. The Ministry of Home Affairs shared these details with a parliamentary committee. This information was conveyed during a meeting discussing FCRA amendments.
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JPC on FCRA amendment bill meets first time to examine legislation
A Joint Parliamentary Committee has begun examining the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill. This bill proposes tighter government oversight on NGOs and foreign funding. Opposition parties allege the legislation unfairly targets minority organizations and their funding. The government rejects these claims, stating the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse.
31-member joint panel formed to examine FCRA Amendment Bill; BJP’s Sanjay Jaiswal named chairperson
A 31-member joint parliamentary committee will examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal chairs the panel, which includes members from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Opposition parties had previously protested the bill, alleging it targeted minorities and NGOs. The government rejected these claims and challenged opponents to identify discriminatory provisions. This committee has been tasked with submitting its report by the Winter session's first week.
'Parliament becoming a mockery': P Chidambaram attacks Centre over FCRA and delimitation issues
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram criticized Parliament's functioning during the recent Monsoon Session. He alleged that the Centre passed several Bills without adequate discussion and debate. Chidambaram also voiced concerns about the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act amendments. He warned that delimitation based on population could reduce southern states' representation. The leader stated that 'One Nation, One Election' opposes the Constitution's federal structure.
Parliament sees growing trend of bills introduced, passed in same session: PRS data
More than half of bills in the 18th Lok Sabha passed quickly. This trend accelerated sharply over the past year, analysis shows. The Monsoon Session saw eleven of twelve bills passed before its end. Many bills were cleared without any MP speaking on them. Lok Sabha functioned for only fifteen percent of scheduled time amid disruptions.
Meghalaya govt to set Up FCRA cell in home dept to coordinate with centre
Meghalaya will establish a dedicated FCRA cell within its home department. This cell aims to assist organizations with renewals and applications under the act. The initiative seeks to ease difficulties faced by organizations without requiring travel to Delhi. Concerns were raised by the Council of Churches in Mizoram regarding the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill. Opposition parties protested the bill, which was sent to a joint committee in the Lok Sabha.
Legitimate overseas donations for education, healthcare should not be obstructed: Supriya Sule
Supriya Sule urged that legitimate foreign donations for education should not be obstructed. She stated the government should not rush the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill. Concerns were also raised about the condition of Maharashtra's old ashram schools. An average of nearly one student died daily in these schools over two years. She also highlighted issues faced by companies in Pune's Chakan industrial area.
"Going around with Constitution's copy in hand but did not allow House to function": FM Nirmala Sitharaman slams opposition
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced off against the opposition, decrying their disruptions in Parliament. She emphasized that those who uphold the Constitution should respect the House’s operations. Home Minister Amit Shah promised in-depth answers during forthcoming discussions. Meanwhile, the Tiranga Yatra initiative is drawing impressive crowds. Although 12 Bills were passed in the Monsoon Session, the debates were notably curtailed due to ongoing protests.
Behind the Parliament standoff: How HM's absence, delimitation bill and FCRA played out
Opposition circles feel they controlled the narrative during the monsoon session. They also forestalled the government's anticipated second push with a Constitution amendment bill. Both sides are now bracing for pushback on the ground beyond Parliament. The Home Minister's absence was tactical, buying time for gathering protest dossiers. Political circles watch for the Home Minister's statements outside Parliament and the investigating team's report.
Govt was scared, rattled during Monsoon Session; oppn unity was on display: Congress
The Congress party stated the Modi government appeared scared and rattled during the recent Monsoon Session. Opposition unity was evident throughout the parliamentary proceedings, according to party leaders. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah were largely absent from the session. Several proposed bills were deferred due to opposition pressure and scrutiny. The Congress highlighted five key achievements for the opposition during this session.
Mizoram churches protest FCRA Bill, warn of property seizure if passed in current form
Churches in Mizoram held a rally in Aizawl opposing the proposed FCRA bill. Supporters carried banners and placards against the amendments during the protest. CCM president R Lalbiakliana stated churches and NGOs could face asset seizure. He mentioned the Centre claims amendments strengthen safeguards and are not targeting Christians. The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, is currently under consideration.
FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 referred to joint parliamentary committee for review
The government has initiated a proposal to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Committee of Parliament. This significant bill will engage thirty-one members from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, tasked with scrutinizing its contents and offering recommendations, with a report expected by the Winter Session of 2026.
Govt signals openness to sending FCRA Amendment Bill to JPC for scrutiny
The Union government may send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint parliamentary committee. Opposition parties have demanded the bill's withdrawal, citing concerns over its provisions. BJD MP Sasmit Patra personally requested the bill be sent for larger scrutiny. Several Christian community leaders and Mizoram CM also sought changes. The bill's retrospective application is a significant concern for various groups.
Tamil Nadu assembly opposes FCRA Amendment Bill, seeks withdrawal in current form
The Tamil Nadu assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill. This proposed legislation raises concerns over the government's power to seize assets of charitable organizations. The bill's provisions could significantly impact educational and healthcare institutions run by minority groups. The Tamil Nadu government stated its objection to the bill's current form and provisions.
Govt considering sending FCRA Bill to joint committee of Parliament for further scrutiny: Sources
The government is considering sending the FCRA Amendment Bill to a joint parliamentary committee. Opposition parties, including Congress and TMC, have demanded the bill's withdrawal. Other parties suggest sending the bill for further scrutiny by a joint committee. The proposed legislation aims to tighten government oversight on foreign funding for NGOs. The government asserts the bill is not religion-specific but for regulating contributions.
FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: No ban on foreign funding, says India’s envoy to US as he counters ‘myths’ with ‘facts’
India's proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Amendment Bill faces opposition and questions. Former foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra stated the bill enhances transparency and oversight. He cited regulations in the US, Australia, Canada, and the UK as examples. The bill aims to safeguard assets and protect places of worship. Foreign contributions to registered organizations have increased significantly over recent years.
FCRA Amendment Bill needed to curb anti-national activities: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the FCRA Amendment Bill's necessity for curbing anti-national activities. He stated the law applies to all foreign donation recipients, regardless of religion or community. The proposed legislation aims to prevent foreign funds from being used for anti-national purposes. Fadnavis emphasized that legitimate organizations will not face undue hardship or obstruction. He encouraged those with concerns to voice them during parliamentary discussions.
NCP (SP) MPs meet PM Narendra Modi; discuss Maharashtra issues
NCP (SP) MPs, led by Supriya Sule, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed various Maharashtra-related issues concerning their constituencies. Drought and onion prices were among the topics raised during the meeting. This discussion followed a previous meeting between Sharad Pawar and the Prime Minister. The NCP (SP) is currently a constituent of the opposition INDIA bloc.
Uncertainty over key bills as Congress vows to resist; Monsoon session heading for washout
Key legislation remains uncertain as Parliament's Monsoon session nears its close. Opposition parties are protesting, demanding statements on student issues and opposing new bills. The government seeks support for women's reservation and delimitation bills, facing mixed responses. The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act amendment bill also faces strong opposition from various groups. Parliament has seen limited business due to ongoing disruptions and adjournments.
FCRA amendment is India's internal matter, says MEA, hits back at US lawmaker's church takeover claim
India's Ministry of External Affairs stated proposed FCRA amendments are an internal legislative matter. US Congressman Riley Moore criticised the bill as an attack against Christians. The proposed amendments empower the government to manage foreign contributions and assets. This legislation aims to ensure religious character of places of worship is maintained. The government also reduced penalties for violations of the Foreign Contribution Act.
Congress issues whip to MPs ahead of key Parliament business
Congress has directed its Members of Parliament to attend Parliament on August 10, 11, and 12. Very important issues are scheduled for discussion during these upcoming parliamentary sessions. The party has also requested INDIA bloc allies to ensure their MPs are present. Reports suggest the FCRA amendment bill might be discussed and passed. The government may also consider a Constitution Amendment Bill linked to delimitation.
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